Using magnets to improve balance in older adults with balance problems

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on brain connectivity and balance ability in older adults who have experienced balance issues. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either TMS or a placebo stimulation over a four-week period, with assessments of brain connectivity and balance conducted before, immediately after, and three months post-intervention. The research seeks to determine if TMS can enhance communication between brain areas and improve balance, potentially reducing the risk of falls in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

a) Able to provide informed consent b) All ethnic groups c) \>65 years of age d) ≥2 non-injury falls or ≥1 injury fall in the past year \[17\]-\[21\] e) Absence of dementia/uncontrolled psychiatric disorder h) Able to walk and stand for 5 min continuously independently without assistance (i.e., cane, walker, ankle foot orthotics, electric scooter).

i) Willingness to undergo MRI, participate in the 4-weeks intervention AND in the laboratory studies before, immediately-after, and 3-month after the intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to provide informed consent.
2. Non-English speaking.
3. Have contraindications to TMS based on TMS Adult Safety Screen (e.g., pregnancy, metal in the brain/skull, neurostimulator, pacemaker, infusion device, medication to treat mental illness)
4. Unintentional weight loss of ≥10 pounds over the past year.
5. Severe uncontrolled hypertension, or uncontrolled diabetes.
6. Poor cognitive status (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 26)
7. Untreated depression or Geriatric Depression Scale score on 15 item scale \>7
8. History of limb amputation (upper or lower extremity)
9. Planned surgery in the next 3 months.
10. History of chemotherapy or planned chemotherapy in the next 6 months or active malignancy.
11. Severe osteoporosis, defined by diagnosis of osteoporosis with fracture.
12. Pregnant or have a chance of being pregnant.
13. Chronic inflammatory condition, autoimmune disease or infectious processes such as active tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, acute or chronic hepatitis B or C.
14. Illicit drug use
15. Use of medications that may increase the risk of falling:

    * Sedatives
    * Hypnotics
    * Anti-cholinergic
    * Benzodiazepines
    * Anti-depressants
16. Intracranial bleeds visible on their most recent CT or MRI scans.

Where it's running

• The Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research at the University of Houston
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Pranav J Parikh, MBBS, PhD
• Email: pjparikh2@uh.edu
• Phone: 713-743-0503

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.