SuspendedNot Applicable

Sensory-specific Peripheral Stimulation for Tremor Management

Stopped: Study pending of funding that could not be secured

United States180 participantsStarted 2020-09-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to understand the neurophysiological mechanisms of peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) in modulating supraspinal tremorogenic input to motoneurons. For this purpose, the investigators will use transcutaneous PES, high-density electromyography (HD-EMG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and neuromusculoskeletal modelling. This study will be carried out in both healthy participants and patients with essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's disease (PD).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 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 for Healthy Participants: * Age from 18 to 80 years * No history of a brain and/or skull lesion * Normal hearing and (corrected) vision * Able to understand and give informed consent * No neurological disorders, no tremor * Absence of pathology that could cause abnormal movements of extremities (e.g., epilepsy, stroke, marked arthritis) * Able to understand and speak English Inclusion Criteria for Patients: * Age from 18 to 80 years * No prior history of skull lesions or craniotomy * Normal hearing and (corrected) vision * Able to understand and give informed consent * Diagnosis of ET (Tremor Research investigation Group criteria) or diagnosis of PD (UK PD Society Brain bank diagnostic criteria) by a physician * Tremor in at least an upper limb with pure flexion-extension wrist tremor with posture (ET) and rest (PD). * Tremor at least moderate-severe by clinician judgment and tremor scales (Fahn Tolosa Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TETRAS), Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS)) * Absence of pathology that could cause abnormal movements of extremities (e.g., epilepsy, stroke, marked arthritis, moderate to severe dyskinesias in PD) * Stable medication doses for at least 30 days prior to study enrollment * Able to understand and speak English Exclusion Criteria for Healthy Participants: * Cardiac pacemaker or pacemaker wires; neurostimulators; implanted pumps * Metal in the body (rods, plates, screws, shrapnel, dentu…

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

Changes in Amount of Motor Inhibition

Timeframe: Experiment A: Short-term: before vs. during and at 1 minute after PES. Experiment B: Short-term: before vs. during and at 1 minute after PES. Long-term: persistence of changes at post 24 hours, post 48 hours, and post 1 week after PES.

Changes in motor evoked potentials (MEPs)

Timeframe: Experiment A: Short-term: before vs. during and at 5 minutes after PES. Experiment B: Short-term: before vs. during and at 5 minutes after PES. Long-term: persistence of changes at post 24 hours, post 48 hours, and post 1 week after PES.

Changes in cortico-muscular coherence in ET and/or PD participants

Timeframe: Experiment A: N/A. Experiment B: Short-term effects, within sessions (before vs. 1 minute after PES. Long-term effects, across sessions (persistence of changes at post 24 hours, post 48 hours, and post 1 week after PES).

Changes in kinematics

Timeframe: Experiment A: N/A. Experiment B: Short-term effects, within sessions (before vs. 1 minute after PES). Long-term effects, across sessions (persistence of changes at post 24 hours, post 48 hours, and post 1 week after PES).

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04501133

SponsorShirley Ryan AbilityLab

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-07-15

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