Using magnetic stimulation to improve motor control in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy
Official title: Cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Motor Control in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Run by Oregon Health and Science University · NCT04468932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a type of magnetic stimulation can help improve movement control and reduce balance problems in people with progressive supranuclear palsy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Oregon Health and Science University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 17, 2020 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | October 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04468932 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 40-85 diagnosed with probable or possible progressive supranuclear palsy who can follow simple instructions in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other significant neurological or vestibular disorders or those with certain medical implants may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of non-invasive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on motor control in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The central hypothesis is that enhancing cerebellar inhibition through rTMS will reduce postural instability in these patients. The study will utilize functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor changes in motor and premotor cortical activity following the rTMS intervention. Participants will be closely monitored to ensure they meet specific eligibility criteria and maintain stable medication regimens throughout the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve motor control and reduce postural instability in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of rTMS in neurological conditions is being explored, this specific application in progressive supranuclear palsy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * probable or possible PSP by the revised MDS PSP Criteria (Hoglinger 2017) * age 40-85 at time of screening * ability to understand and cooperate with simple instructions in English * ability to read at 6th grade reading level in English * ability to stand unassisted for at least 30 seconds and to be able walk independently with a walker * ability to refrain from new physical and speech therapy programs for the duration of the study * ability to remain on stable doses of any cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic sedative or NMDA receptor antagonists for the duration of the study * females of child-bearing age must perform a urine pregnancy test and be on reliable birth control during the course of the study Exclusion Criteria: * other significant neurological or vestibular disorders * presence of electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated implants or history of injurious metal exposure in eyes, head, or body
Where it's running
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marian L Dale, MD, MCR — Oregon Health and Science University
- Study coordinator: Graham Harker
- Email: balance@ohsu.edu
- Phone: 5034182601
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.