Actively Recruiting
Testing of an Interface for Synchronizing tACS and DBS Using a Phase-locked-loop
Led by Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf · Updated on 2026-04-03
2
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
17 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Twente
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a new interface to synchronize transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients using DBS, particularly those with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia. The study aims to test if tACS can be applied at specific phase delays relative to DBS pulses and confirm this synchronization through EEG measurements. This investigation will help prepare for future studies on how different time-lags between DBS and tACS affect behavior and brain activity. The study involves applying DBS at a fixed frequency between 15 and 30 Hz in one brain hemisphere using the clinical DBS settings. At the same frequency, tACS will be delivered in a closed-loop manner with four different phase lags (0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°) relative to DBS pulses, using a neuroConn DC-STIMULATOR PLUS device. EEG will be recorded during the stimulation sessions to monitor the synchronization and artifacts from DBS and tACS. Participants will undergo stimulation sessions where their brain's electrical activity is recorded with an analog amplifier during the combined DBS and tACS treatment. The main outcome measured is the success of phase-locking, specifically the delay between intended and actual phase alignment during stimulation. The study spans from September 2025 to December 2026, and participants will be monitored throughout the stimulation procedures to assess the interface's performance and safety.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Testing of an Interface for Synchronizing tACS-DBS With a Phase-locked-loop
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Provision of written informed consent by the patient
- Age between 35 and 85 years
- Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia
- More than 3 months since DBS surgery
You will not qualify if you...
- History of epilepsy or seizures
- Presence of heart pacemaker or metal implants other than DBS device
- 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.
Duration - Single session
Participants receive synchronized DBS-coupled tACS using a device that applies stimulation with varying phase lags while EEG is measured.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
Hamburg, Germany, 20246
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Bettina C. Schwab, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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