RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07381907

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

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over the Supplementary Motor Area Combined With Nordic Walking on Gait and Balance in Parkinson's Disease

Sponsor

Universidade Metodista de Piracicaba

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Jun 9, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Gait Disorders Parkinson Disease (PD)Postural Balance

Summary

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.

Eligibility

Min Age: 50 YearsMax Age: 75 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tests whether combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — a non-invasive brain stimulation technique using mild electrical current applied to the scalp — with Nordic walking (a form of walking with poles) can improve gait (walking ability) and balance in people with Parkinson's disease. **You may be eligible if...** - You have a confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease - You are at Hoehn & Yahr stage II–IV while on your medication - Your Parkinson's medications have been stable for at least 4 weeks - You walk slowly (taking 6 or more seconds to walk 10 meters) - You can walk at least 10 meters with or without a cane or poles - Your cognition is adequate (MMSE score of 24 or higher) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have an implanted brain device (such as a deep brain stimulator) or metal in your skull - You have uncontrolled epilepsy or a seizure in the past year - You have unstable heart disease, severe blood pressure drops, or other serious medical conditions - You have severe freezing of gait that makes supervised walking unsafe - You have severe cognitive impairment (MMSE below 24) - You are currently in another gait, balance, or brain stimulation study Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICETranscranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), active

Anodal tDCS over SMA (FCz) with saline-soaked sponge electrodes (5×7 cm); cathode supraorbital contralateral; 2.0 mA for 20 minutes, 30-s ramp-in/out; delivered during NW; 12 sessions over 4 weeks (3×/week).

DEVICESham transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Same montage and timing as active; brief ramp-in/out then 0 mA for the remainder; delivered during NW; 12 sessions over 4 weeks.

BEHAVIORALStandardized Nordic Walking program

30-minute supervised session (5-min warm-up; 20-min continuous walking with poles at moderate perceived exertion; 5-min cool-down); technique cues for pole use and cadence; performed each visit in both arms; 12 sessions over 4 weeks.