NCT07480317

Brief Summary

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction. While deep brain stimulation (DBS) is effective, its invasive nature limits its application in early-stage patients. Temporal interference stimulation (TIS) is a novel non-invasive technique that can target deep brain structures like the globus pallidus internus (GPi) by using high-frequency electric fields. This study aims to evaluate the clinical value and underlying mechanisms of TIS in PD patients. The research is divided into two phases: Phase A investigates the immediate regulatory effects of 130 Hz and 40 Hz TIS on brain networks using concurrent fMRI-TIS. Phase B is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of a 2-week TIS intervention on both motor and non-motor symptoms. The results will help clarify how TIS modulates deep brain networks and its potential as a non-invasive therapy for PD.

Trial Health

63
Monitor

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
75

participants targeted

Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable

Timeline
11mo left

Started Mar 2026

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
not yet recruiting

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Progress17%
Mar 2026Mar 2027

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

March 14, 2026

Completed
4 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

March 18, 2026

Completed
2 days until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

March 20, 2026

Completed
5 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

August 31, 2026

Expected
7 months until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

March 31, 2027

Last Updated

March 24, 2026

Status Verified

March 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

5 months

First QC Date

March 14, 2026

Last Update Submit

March 20, 2026

Conditions

Keywords

Temporal Interference Stimulation (TIS)Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)Non-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS)Neuromodulation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • Change from Baseline in Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (MDS-UPDRS-III) total score.

    The MDS-UPDRS Part III is a clinician-rated scale used to assess the motor signs of Parkinson's disease. It includes 18 items (33 scores total), with each item ranging from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe). The total score ranges from 0 to 132, where higher scores represent greater motor impairment.

    Baseline, 2 weeks (immediately after the 10th intervention session), and 1 month (follow-up).

Secondary Outcomes (1)

  • Changes in Brain Network Functional Connectivity and Amplitude of Low-frequency Fluctuations (ALFF).

    Baseline, 20 minutes (during concurrent TIS), and 8 minutes (immediately post-stimulation) for Phase A ; Baseline and 2 weeks for Phase B.

Study Arms (3)

130 Hz TIS Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive active Temporal Interference Stimulation (TIS) with a 130 Hz envelope frequency targeting the right globus pallidus internus (GPi).

Device: Temporal Interference Stimulation (130 Hz)

40 Hz TIS Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive active TIS with a 40 Hz envelope frequency targeting the right GPi.

Device: Temporal Interference Stimulation (40 Hz)

Sham Group

SHAM COMPARATOR

Participants receive sham stimulation targeting the right GPi.

Device: Sham Temporal Interference Stimulation

Interventions

High-frequency sinewave currents (carrier frequency: 2000 Hz and 2130 Hz) are delivered via two pairs of scalp electrodes. The current intensity is 2-4 mA (individualized). In Phase B, stimulation lasts 30 minutes daily for 2 weeks (10 sessions).

130 Hz TIS Group

High-frequency sinewave currents (carrier frequency: 2000 Hz and 2040 Hz) are delivered via two pairs of scalp electrodes. Parameters are identical to the 130 Hz group except for the envelope frequency.

40 Hz TIS Group

The device provides only a 20-second ramp-up and 20-second ramp-down of current to mimic the skin sensation of active stimulation, without continuous therapeutic stimulation.

Sham Group

Eligibility Criteria

Age45 Years - 65 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease according to the Movement Disorder Society (MDS) clinical diagnostic criteria.
  • Hoehn \& Yahr Stage I-III (mild to moderate severity).
  • Aged 45 to 65 years.
  • Right-handed. Stable medication regimen for at least 1 hour before Phase A fMRI sessions and agreement to maintain a stable dosage during the 2-week Phase B intervention (unless clinically necessary).
  • Able to provide informed consent by the participant or a legal guardian.

You may not qualify if:

  • MRI contraindications, such as implanted DBS electrodes, cardiac pacemakers, or other metal implants.
  • Significant cognitive impairment (MoCA score \< 24) or severe psychiatric symptoms.
  • History of epilepsy or structural brain lesions, including severe cerebral atrophy or cerebrovascular disease.
  • Severe head tremors that would interfere with MRI scanning quality.

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Nanjing Brain Hospital (Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University)

Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Parkinson Disease

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Parkinsonian DisordersBasal Ganglia DiseasesBrain DiseasesCentral Nervous System DiseasesNervous System DiseasesMovement DisordersSynucleinopathiesNeurodegenerative Diseases

Central Study Contacts

Weiguo Liu, MD, PhD

CONTACT

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
TRIPLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Masking Details
Sham stimulation is used for blinding. It provides only a 20-second ramp-up and ramp-down of current to mimic the skin sensation of active stimulation.
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Model Details: This study follows a two-phase design: Phase A is a randomized crossover mechanism study (n=15). Phase B is a 3-arm parallel-group, randomized, double-blind efficacy study (n=60).
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Professor, Chief Physician

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

March 14, 2026

First Posted

March 18, 2026

Study Start

March 20, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

August 31, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

March 31, 2027

Last Updated

March 24, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Individual participant data will not be shared to protect the privacy of the patients and because the data is currently being used for institutional research and future academic publications.

Locations