Dual-Task Improvement in Parkinson's Via rTMS

NCT07310238 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2022/345
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 41
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on cognitive function and dual-task performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants completed ten rTMS sessions over two weeks or received sham stimulation. Cognitive status was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and mobility was evaluated through single-task and multiple dual-task Timed Up and Go tests. The study examined whether rTMS could enhance cognitive abilities and improve motor-cognitive performance, which are commonly impaired in Parkinson's disease and contribute to reduced functional independence. Findings indicated that rTMS led to improvements in cognition, single-task mobility, and complex dual-task performance. The intervention was well tolerated, and no adverse events related to the stimulation intensity were reported.

Conditions

Parkinson Disease (PD); Cognition Disorders; Gait Disorders, Neurologic; Dual Task

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Cognitive Function Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

  The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a validated screening tool assessing attention, executive function, memory, language, visuospatial abilities, and orientation. Scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance. The outcome is defined as the change in total MoCA score from baseline to post-intervention.

  Baseline and after 2 weeks of intervention

Study Arms (2)

Active rTMS Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex at 5 Hz, 120% of the resting motor threshold, for 10 sessions over two weeks.

Device: Active Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

Sham Stimulation

SHAM COMPARATOR

Participants receive sham stimulation using the same coil positioning and session structure as the active rTMS group, but without active magnetic output. Sham sessions match the schedule and duration of the intervention arm.

Device: Sham Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Interventions

Active Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) DEVICE

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex using a figure-8 coil. Stimulation delivered at 5 Hz, 120% of the resting motor threshold, 600 pulses per session, for 10 sessions over two weeks.

Active rTMS Group

Sham Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation DEVICE

Sham stimulation performed using the same coil placement, session duration, and procedures as the active rTMS condition, but without magnetic output. Sessions matched in schedule and structure to the active intervention.

Sham Stimulation

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
• Age 65 years or older.
• Currently receiving dopaminergic therapy.
• Ability to stand independently for at least 30 seconds.

You may not qualify if:

• Inability to walk for 2 minutes without a walking aid.
• Any contraindication to transcranial magnetic stimulation (e.g., metal implants in the head, history of seizures).
• Musculoskeletal injury or structural abnormality that could affect mobility assessment.
• Presence of another neurological disease.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Gaziantep: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gaziantep University

Gaziantep, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Parkinson Disease; Cognition Disorders; Gait Disorders, Neurologic

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Parkinsonian Disorders; Basal Ganglia Diseases; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Movement Disorders; Synucleinopathies; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Neurocognitive Disorders; Mental Disorders; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 16, 2025
• First Posted: December 30, 2025
• Study Start: November 15, 2022
• Primary Completion: November 15, 2025
• Study Completion: November 15, 2025
• Last Updated: December 30, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)