Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease
(PSP Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which uses a gentle electrical current to stimulate the brain, can improve motor functions such as walking, speaking, and coordination in individuals with Parkinson's disease and similar conditions. The study includes two groups: one will receive real tDCS while performing cognitive tasks, and the other will receive a placebo version without actual stimulation. Participants must be able to walk daily, with or without a cane or walker, and must have sufficient English skills to communicate and follow instructions. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance the quality of life for those with movement disorders.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is safe for improving motor function in Parkinson's disease?
Research shows that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally easy for people to handle. In previous studies, tDCS has helped manage some symptoms of Parkinson's disease. For example, one study found that tDCS reduced pain related to Parkinson's when used under certain conditions. However, another study found that tDCS alone didn't significantly improve movement or balance in the short term for people with Parkinson's.
Researchers have tested tDCS in various settings, and few reports of serious side effects have emerged. Most people feel only mild sensations on their scalp, like tingling or itching, during the treatment. These feelings usually go away quickly.
Overall, current research suggests that tDCS is safe, although its effectiveness can vary depending on how and when it is used.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for Parkinson’s Disease because it offers a non-invasive approach that directly targets brain activity. Unlike standard treatments like levodopa or dopamine agonists, which focus on managing dopamine levels in the brain, tDCS delivers low electrical currents to specific brain areas to enhance cognitive function. This method could potentially improve symptoms without the side effects associated with long-term medication use. The excitement lies in its innovative mechanism and the possibility of augmenting traditional therapies to offer a more comprehensive treatment for patients.
What evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation might be an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease?
Research shows that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can help people with Parkinson's disease improve movement. Some studies suggest that tDCS enhances walking, standing, and balance. Another study found that it boosts overall brain function, particularly in decision-making and language use. tDCS might also reduce pain associated with Parkinson's by targeting specific brain areas. However, not all studies agree, and some have found no significant changes. Overall, promising evidence suggests that tDCS could improve movement and lessen symptoms for those with Parkinson's. Participants in this trial will receive either real tDCS stimulation or a sham (placebo) version to further evaluate its effectiveness.56789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Tyler Roncero, Ph.D
Principal Investigator
Baycrest Academy of Health Sciences and Geriatric Research
Howard Chertkow, MD
Principal Investigator
Baycrest Academy of Health Sciences and Geriatric Research
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with movement disorders like Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Cortical Basal Ganglionic Degeneration, and Parkinson's Disease. Participants should be able to undergo tDCS and participate in walking sessions aimed at improving motor functions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 20 min of tDCS brain stimulation while undergoing training on cognitive tasks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Trial Overview
The study tests if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with walking sessions can improve motor function such as gait, speech articulation, eye movements, and hand dexterity in patients with specific movement disorders.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Participants will be exposed to 20 min of tDCS brain stimulation while undergoing training on cognitive tasks.
Participants will be exposed to 20 min of tDCS sham/placebo stimulation while undergoing training on cognitive tasks. Participants will have the exact same apparatus used but with no stimulation.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Baycrest
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Transcranial direct current stimulation for Parkinson's disease
One study (33%) found significant improvements after stimulating the sensorimotor cortex, whereas the other two studies (66%) detected no ...
Efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation on ...
tDCS demonstrated substantial efficacy in enhancing overall cognition in patients with PD. The efficacy of tDCS was obvious in executive function, language, ...
TDCS for parkinson's disease disease-related pain
tDCS of the primary motor cortex alleviates perceived PD-related pain, reduces pain sensitization, and enhances descending pain inhibition.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Motor Therapy for ...
Results indicated that tDCS improved motor outcomes, including gait, posture, and balance. Notably, it demonstrated enhanced dual-task gait ...
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Treat Symptoms ...
This study will examine the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on gait (walking) problems and rigidity in patients with Parkinson's ...
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease ...
tDCS has demonstrated hypoalgesic effects on Parkinson's disease (PD)‐related pain applied in the On state but not in the Off state.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Parkinson's ...
There was no significant tDCS alone short-term effect on motor function, balance, gait, dyskinesias or motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With ...
This study employs a randomized, double-blind design to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined tDCS-TMS treatment in patients with ...
Comparison of stimulation sites enhancing dual-task ...
This pilot randomized crossover study aimed to compare the effects of stimulating various transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) target sites to ...
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