Description Module
The Description Module contains narrative descriptions of the clinical trial, including a brief summary and detailed description. These descriptions provide important information about the study's purpose, methodology, and key details in language accessible to both researchers and the general public.
Description Module path is as follows:
Study -> Protocol Section -> Description Module
Description Module
Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-25 @ 12:18 AM
Ignite Modification Date:
2025-12-25 @ 12:18 AM
NCT ID:
NCT04181658
Brief Summary:
This pilot work will determine the feasibility of tDCS intervention as an effective adjunct intervention to PT aimed at improving gait, balance, and mobility in older adults at risk of falling.
Detailed Description:
Falls are correlated with both physical and cognitive declines in older adults. Recurrent fallers and those at high risk of falls are often referred to physical therapy (PT) for gait and balance training. Although physical therapists are aware of the importance of cortical control of gait and balance, there is no available tool to directly yet non-invasively intervene brain in the clinical setting.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive and safe mean of modulating the excitability of specific brain regions and their connected neural networks. Our group and others have shown that tDCS intervention designed to facilitate the excitability of the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) improves numerous aspects of executive function related to mobility in older adults. However, no studies to date have assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of applying tDCS as an adjunct to PT to improve gait and balance within the geriatric rehabilitation setting.
This study aims to 1) assess the feasibility of implementing tDCS prior to each of their first 10 PT sessions, and 2) gather estimates of variability in outcomes related to gait, balance, cognition, and quality of life over time within older adults referred to PT for recurrent falls.
Study:
NCT04181658
Study Brief:
Protocol Section:
NCT04181658