Testing Safe Brain Stimulation With Nordic Walking to Improve Walking and Balance in Parkinsons Disease A Study of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation During Exercise in Adults Aged 50 to 75

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate whether adding a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS during a supervised Nordic Walking program can improve walking speed and balance in people with Parkinsons disease. The study focuses on adults with idiopathic Parkinsons disease who have slowed gait and balance problems that increase their risk of falls. Researchers will compare active tDCS with a sham inactive procedure to see if tDCS enhances the effects of walking training. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receives active anodal tDCS over the supplementary motor area SMA while doing a standardized 30-minute Nordic Walking session, and the other receives sham tDCS with the same walking program. The tDCS is given at 2.0 mA for 20 minutes during walking sessions, three times per week for four weeks 12 sessions total. Both groups follow identical walking routines supervised by trained staff, including warm-up, continuous walking with poles, and cool-down. During the study, participants will be assessed at baseline, after the 4-week intervention, and at a 1-month follow-up. Researchers will measure walking speed using the 10-Meter Walk Test as the main outcome, along with balance tests, motor symptoms, quality of life, and any side effects. Safety monitoring includes checking vital signs and skin condition before and after sessions. Adherence and side effects are tracked throughout, and the study will evaluate whether tDCS combined with walking improves mobility and balance more than walking alone.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Nordic Walking on Gait and Balance in Parkinson's Disease