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Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Nordic Walking on Gait and Balance in Parkinson's Disease
Sponsor: Universidade Metodista de Piracicaba
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.
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over the Supplementary Motor Area Combined With Nordic Walking on Gait and Balance in Parkinson's Disease
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
50 Years - 75 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2025-06-09
Completion Date
2026-03
Last Updated
2026-02-02
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Transcranial 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).
Sham 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.
Standardized 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.
Locations (1)
UEAFTO - Unidade de Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional
Belém, Pará, Brazil