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Effects of Cerebellar tACS-iTBS in Ataxia
Sponsor: I.R.C.C.S. Fondazione Santa Lucia
Summary
Ataxia refers to a group of neurological disorders characterized by impaired coordination and balance due to dysfunction in the cerebellum or its connections. Traditional therapeutic approaches for ataxia have shown limited efficacy, prompting researchers to explore alternative interventions. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), have emerged as potential therapeutic options. The aim of this study is to investigate the combined effect of tACS-iTBS on balance functions in ataxia disorders.
Official title: Effects of Combined Transcranial Electrical and Magnetic Stimulation of Cerebellum on Balance Function in Ataxia Patients
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
8 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2025-05-01
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2026-02-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Real (real iTBS/tACS + exergaming)
Stimulation will be applied to the cerebellum. The tACS session duration will be 190 seconds with a frequency of 5 Hz coupled with iTBS (coil positioned tangentially with respect to the scalp)(600 pulses consisting of bursts of 3 stimuli at 50 Hz, repeated at intervals of 200ms, with an intensity of 80% of active motor threshold -AMT-) (Huang et al., 2005) for a total duration of 190 seconds (repeated over both cerebellar hemispheres after a 15-minute rest period). The exergaming will be performed with an adaptive system, comprising a force platform connected to a computer. The system is designed to enhance standard balance rehabilitation programs by guiding the user's performance of prescribed physical exercises through a video interface. Patients will perform 3 different exercises (10 minutes of training for a total of 30 minutes): latero-lateral and antero posterior load shift, omnidirectional displacement (combined latero-lateral and antero-posterior loading).
Sham (sham iTBS/tACS + exergaming)
Stimulation will be applied to the cerebellum. The tACS session duration will be 10 seconds with a frequency of 5 Hz coupled with sham iTBS (coil positioned perpendicularly with respect to the scalp)(600 pulses consisting of bursts of 3 stimuli at 50 Hz, repeated at intervals of 200ms, with an intensity of 80% of active motor threshold -AMT-) (Huang et al., 2005) for a total duration of 190 seconds (repeated over both cerebellar hemispheres after a 15-minute rest period). The exergaming will be performed with an adaptive system, comprising a force platform connected to a computer. The system is designed to enhance standard balance rehabilitation programs by guiding the user's performance of prescribed physical exercises through a video interface. Patients will perform 3 different exercises (10 minutes of training for a total of 30 minutes): latero-lateral and antero posterior load shift, omnidirectional displacement (combined latero-lateral and antero-posterior loading).
Locations (1)
IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation
Rome, Lazio, Italy