Actively Recruiting
Closed-loop Phase-adaptive Cerebellar Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) to Reduce Parkinson's Disease Tremor by Modulating Cerebello-thalamo-cortical Activity
Led by Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf · Updated on 2026-05-04
10
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder marked by various motor symptoms, including challenging hand tremors. This research investigates a new, non-invasive brain stimulation method called phase-adaptive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) that targets the cerebellum to reduce tremor by synchronizing stimulation with the patient's hand tremor rhythm. The study aims to better understand tremor control within the brain's cerebello-thalamo-cortical network and explore innovative treatment options for PD tremor. Participants will undergo two experimental sessions using a novel closed-loop device that delivers phase-locked cerebellar tACS at intensities ranging from 2 to 4 mA. The first session varies the phase alignment of stimulation to identify optimal settings, including sham and open-loop stimulation comparisons. In the second session, tACS is applied using the identified optimal phase alignment. Each stimulation period lasts 30 seconds, with electrodes placed on the cerebellum and jaw, including ramp-up and ramp-down phases for safety and comfort. During the study, researchers will record baseline and post-stimulation tremor levels to assess immediate effects. Measurements focus on changes in tremor amplitude and tremor entrainment during stimulation. The study includes randomized, double-blind assignments to different stimulation types, with careful monitoring and evaluation of tremor reduction in PD patients. Participants can expect assessments before, during, and after stimulation to track the impact of the intervention over the course of the study.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cerebellar Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) to Modulate Parkinson's Disease Tremor
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease based on UK Brain Bank criteria
- Moderate to severe hand tremor
- Written informed consent provided by the patient
- Age 18 years or older
You will not qualify if you...
- History of other neurological disorders such as vascular malformations, ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke, cerebral neoplasia, epilepsy, or major psychiatric illness
- Presence of heart pacemaker or metal implants in the body
- Pregnancy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 sessions conducted on separate days
Participants receive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) targeting the cerebellum in two sessions to modulate Parkinson's disease tremor. The first session involves varying phase alignments and sham stimulation to identify the optimal phase alignment. The second session applies the optimal phase alignment determined from the first session. Baseline and post-stimulation tremor recordings are collected in each session to assess immediate effects.
2 visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
Hamburg, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany, 20246
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Simone Zittel, Dr. med.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here