Tests ultrasound stimulation for freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease
Tests ultrasound brain stimulation to ease freezing of walking in adults with Parkinson's.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Pedunculopontine Nucleus Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation as a Treatment of Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 90 years old?
Source: NCT07695233, who can take part
Where in Canada
- Toronto Western HospitalToronto, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Robert Chen
- Trial code
- NCT07695233
- Record updated
- 10 July 2026
- Original description
This study is investigating the use of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) on the Pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) in changing freezing of gait in people with Parkinson's disease. The PPN is noted to be involved in voluntary movements, locomotion, and muscle tone. This will be assessed by patient-reported outcomes and analyzing the gait. The study will also investigate the effects of the stimulation on the PPN and surrounding connectivity by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Read full original descriptionShow less
Pedunculopontine Nucleus Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation as a Treatment of Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease
This study is investigating the use of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) on the Pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) in changing freezing of gait in people with Parkinson's disease. The PPN is noted to be involved in voluntary movements, locomotion, and muscle tone. This will be assessed by patient-reported outcomes and analyzing the gait. The study will also investigate the effects of the stimulation on the PPN and surrounding connectivity by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Inclusion: 18-90 years of age; Confirmed diagnosis of a movement disorder with Freezing of Gait; Stable dopaminergic medication dose for a minimum of 4 weeks.
Exclusion: Has intracranial implant(s) or device(s); Has a previous surgical intervention to treat the movement disorder such as lesioning or a DBS system in place; Is on antipsychotics, marijuana, or other recreational drugs that affect the nervous system; History of stroke or seizure; Comorbid dementia; Has an implanted cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD); Major depression/psychiatric disorder that in the opinion of the Investigator will affect patient's understanding of study procedures and willingness to abide by all procedures during the course of the study; Major musculoskeletal or neuromuscular disease or disorder of the hands, wrists and limbs; Major systemic illness or infection; Scored below 22 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); Presence of metal implanted in body that is contraindicated in TMS/MRI; Pregnancy.