Recruiting

Brain Stimulation and Walking Poles for Parkinson's Gait Problems

Plain-English translation of NCT07381907 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a combination of two treatments for Parkinson's disease: a gentle electrical stimulation applied to the scalp (called transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS) paired with Nordic walking — a guided walking program using special poles. The researchers believe that applying this stimulation to a specific brain area while you practice Nordic walking might help improve walking speed, balance, and reduce freezing of gait (when your feet suddenly feel stuck). Half of participants will receive the active stimulation during their walking sessions, while the other half will receive a sham (fake) stimulation that feels similar but delivers no actual current.

Parkinson's disease often causes people to walk more slowly, take shorter steps, lose their balance, and experience freezing of gait — all of which can lead to falls and loss of independence. This treatment combination is designed to target the brain areas that control movement and walking while you actively practice the walking technique, which researchers believe could make the training more effective than walking alone.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease that meets standard diagnostic criteria
you have a slowed gait pattern (taking at least 6 seconds to walk 10 meters at your normal pace)
you are able to walk at least 10 meters with or without a cane or poles, without needing hands-on help from a therapist
you have been on stable Parkinson's medications for at least 4 weeks before starting the trial
you are able to follow simple commands and have normal to near-normal cognition (your thinking and memory are largely intact)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have implanted brain devices like deep brain stimulation, metal in your skull (other than dental work), or active skin conditions at the electrode sites
you have uncontrolled epilepsy or have had seizures in the past 12 months
you have severe medical or psychiatric conditions that are not well controlled, such as very high blood pressure, recent heart problems, or severe drops in blood pressure when standing
you have severe freezing of gait or fall risk that makes it unsafe for you to participate in supervised walking with poles
you are currently enrolled in another trial testing gait, balance, or brain stimulation treatments, or you recently started or changed doses of Parkinson's medications (within 4 weeks)

What participation looks like

You would attend the university rehabilitation clinic 3 times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). At each session, you would receive either active or sham brain stimulation through electrodes on your scalp for 20 minutes while doing a 30-minute guided Nordic walking program with special poles. The walking sessions include a warm-up, technique practice, steady-paced walking at moderate effort, and a cool-down. After the 4-week program ends, you would return for a follow-up visit at 1 month to see if improvements have been maintained. The researchers will measure your walking speed, balance, and other Parkinson's symptoms at the start, end, and follow-up.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 25, 2026 · Not medical advice

Brain Stimulation and Walking Poles for Parkinson's Gait Problems

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations