Dual-Task Improvement in Parkinson's Via rTMS

University of Gaziantep

Status: Completed

Conditions: Cognition Disorders; Gait Disorders, Neurologic; Parkinson Disease (PD); Dual Task

Treatments: Device: Active Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS); Device: Sham Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07310238

2022/345

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on cognitive function and dual-task performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants completed ten rTMS sessions over two weeks or received sham stimulation. Cognitive status was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and mobility was evaluated through single-task and multiple dual-task Timed Up and Go tests. The study examined whether rTMS could enhance cognitive abilities and improve motor-cognitive performance, which are commonly impaired in Parkinson's disease and contribute to reduced functional independence. Findings indicated that rTMS led to improvements in cognition, single-task mobility, and complex dual-task performance. The intervention was well tolerated, and no adverse events related to the stimulation intensity were reported.

Full description

Parkinson's disease often leads to declines in cognition, gait performance, and the ability to manage simultaneous cognitive-motor demands. These difficulties contribute to mobility limitations, fall risk, and loss of independence in older adults. This randomized controlled study investigates whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can enhance cognitive function and improve single- and dual-task mobility performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants complete a two-week intervention consisting of active or sham stimulation. Standardized cognitive and functional mobility assessments are administered before and after the intervention to determine the extent of change associated with rTMS. The study is designed to provide preliminary evidence on whether neuromodulation of an executive-control region can support functional motor-cognitive interactions in this population.

Enrollment: 41 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
• Age 65 years or older.
• Currently receiving dopaminergic therapy.
• Ability to stand independently for at least 30 seconds.

Exclusion criteria

• Inability to walk for 2 minutes without a walking aid.
• Any contraindication to transcranial magnetic stimulation (e.g., metal implants in the head, history of seizures).
• Musculoskeletal injury or structural abnormality that could affect mobility assessment.
• Presence of another neurological disease.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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41 participants in 2 patient groups

Active rTMS Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants receive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex at 5 Hz, 120% of the resting motor threshold, for 10 sessions over two weeks.

Treatment:

Device: Active Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

Sham Stimulation

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Participants receive sham stimulation using the same coil positioning and session structure as the active rTMS group, but without active magnetic output. Sham sessions match the schedule and duration of the intervention arm.

Treatment:

Device: Sham Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation