CompletedNot Applicable

The Short-term Effects of Noninvasive Electrical Brain Stimulation on Dual Tasking in Older Adults

United States, Israel61 participantsStarted 2017-05-26

Plain-language summary

The tDCS \& Dual Tasking study will compare the effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) targeting three different cortical regions (as well as sham stimulation) on dual task standing and walking in older adults with and without a recent history of recurrent falls.

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: "Faller" group * Aged 65 years and older * Able to read, write and communicate in English * Self-report of 2 or more falls within the past 6 months "Non-Faller" Group * Aged 65 years and older * Able to read, write, and communicate in English * Self-report of 1 or no (zero) falls within the past 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Self-reported diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or dementia, multiple sclerosis, history of stroke or other neurodegenerative disorder. * Self-reported active cancer for which chemo-/radiation therapy is being received. * Hospitalization within the past 3 months due to acute illness or as a result of a musculoskeletal injury significantly affecting gait and balance. * Montreal Cognitive Assessment score \<18, or insufficient understanding of study procedures following review of the Informed Consent Form. Understanding will be assessed by asking the participant to answer the following three questions: 1) What is the purpose of this study? 2) What are the risks of study involvement? 3) If you decide to participate, are you allowed to withdraw from the study at any time? Answers will be recorded by study personnel on the "Assessment of Protocol Understanding" form (see attached). Insufficient understanding will be defined by one or more incorrect answers, as determined at the discretion of the investigator. * Inability to stand or ambulate unassisted for at least 25 feet. * Contraindications to tDCS, including a…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Dual task cost to standing postural sway speed

Timeframe: This outcome will be assessed immediately before and after each 20-minute session of tDCS.

Dual task cost to gait speed when walking

Timeframe: This outcome will be assessed immediately before and after each 20-minute session of tDCS.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03191812

SponsorHebrew SeniorLife

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-11-26

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Aging trials

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.