Actively Recruiting
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Nordic Walking on Gait and Balance in Parkinson's Disease
Led by Universidade Metodista de Piracicaba · Updated on 2026-02-02
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
37 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Parkinson's disease can cause slow or unsteady walking and balance problems that raise the risk of falls. This study will test whether adding a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during a supervised Nordic Walking program improves mobility in people with Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or an inactive (sham) procedure that feels the same but does not deliver current, while both groups complete the same supervised walking program. Sessions occur three times per week for four weeks. We will measure walking speed with a 10-Meter Walk Test as the main outcome, and also evaluate balance, motor symptoms, quality of life, and any side effects. We expect that tDCS given during the walking sessions will help people walk faster and feel steadier compared with the walking program alone.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Nordic Walking on Gait and Balance in Parkinson's Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease
- Hoehn & Yahr stage II to IV while on medication
- Stable antiparkinsonian medication for at least 4 weeks before enrollment
- Slowed gait pattern, such as taking 6 seconds or more on the 10-Meter Walk at preferred speed
- Able to walk at least 10 meters with or without cane or poles without hands-on assistance
- Able to follow simple commands and provide written informed consent with cognitive screening score of 24 or higher
- Willing to keep Parkinson's medication and usual care stable during the 4-week treatment unless medically required
You will not qualify if you...
- Contraindications to tDCS: implanted brain devices like DBS, metal in the skull (except dental), active skin disease at electrode sites, uncontrolled epilepsy or seizures in past 12 months
- Unstable medical or psychiatric conditions preventing safe participation, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, recent heart events, or severe orthostatic hypotension with fainting
- Severe freezing of gait or fall risk making supervised Nordic Walking unsafe, as judged by clinical team
- Severe muscle, bone, or vestibular problems limiting walking with poles; severe uncorrected vision problems
- Cognitive impairment that prevents consent or testing (cognitive screening score below 24)
- Current participation in other trials targeting gait, balance, or brain stimulation; recent start or dose change of Parkinson's medication within 4 weeks
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UEAFTO - Unidade de Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional
Belém, Pará, Brazil, 66087-670
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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