NCT04468932 · Oregon Health and Science University
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
What this study is about
The objective of this proposal is to investigate the effect of non-invasive repetitive cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on motor control in progressive supranuclear (PSP). The central hypothesis is that augmenting cerebellar inhibition via cerebellar rTMS will decrease postural instability in patients with PSP.
View original scientific description
The objective of this proposal is to investigate the effect of non-invasive repetitive cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on motor control in progressive supranuclear (PSP). The central hypothesis is that augmenting cerebellar inhibition via cerebellar rTMS will decrease postural instability in patients with PSP. We will use functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to examine changes in motor and premotor cortical activity after cerebellar rTMS.
Interventions
DEVICE
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
Aim 1: To determine the clinical effects of rTMS targeting the cerebellum on postural instability in PSP. The hypothesis to be tested is that TMS augmentation of cerebellar inhibition will improve cerebellum-dependent balance symptoms of PSP for a period of time sufficient to improve rehabilitation outcomes. The investigators will measure a battery of objective posturography metrics and other measures of motor control, including sway and center of pressure changes to backward tilt and forward translation. Aim 2: We will use functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to examine changes in motor and premotor cortical activity after cerebellar rTMS. The hypothesis to be tested is that premotor and motor cortical activity will decrease after cerebellar rTMS compared to sham TMS, reflecting improved cerebellar inhibition of the motor cortex after the intervention.
Primary outcome measures
objective posturography
Time frame: assessed on 4 days during the 8 week study period
The primary endpoint is center of pressure shifts with tilt and with translation, and body sway in quiet stance.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- probable or possible PSP by the revised MDS PSP Criteria (Hoglinger 2017)
- age 40-85 at time of screening
- ability to understand and cooperate with simple instructions in English
- ability to read at 6th grade reading level in English
- ability to stand unassisted for at least 30 seconds and to be able walk independently with a walker
- ability to refrain from new physical and speech therapy programs for the duration of the study
- ability to remain on stable doses of any cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic sedative or NMDA receptor antagonists for the duration of the study
- females of child-bearing age must perform a urine pregnancy test and be on reliable birth control during the course of the study
Exclusion criteria
- other significant neurological or vestibular disorders
- presence of electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated implants or history of injurious metal exposure in eyes, head, or body
Where
- Portland, Oregon
Collaborators
National Center of Neuromodulation for Rehabilitation, Collins Medical Trust, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)
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Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 29, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations