Cognition Disorders, Dual Task, Gait Disorders, Neurologic, Parkinson Disease (PD)
Conditions
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.
Detailed description
Parkinson's disease often leads to declines in cognition, gait performance, and the ability to manage simultaneous cognitive-motor demands. These difficulties contribute to mobility limitations, fall risk, and loss of independence in older adults. This randomized controlled study investigates whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can enhance cognitive function and improve single- and dual-task mobility performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants complete a two-week intervention consisting of active or sham stimulation. Standardized cognitive and functional mobility assessments are administered before and after the intervention to determine the extent of change associated with rTMS. The study is designed to provide preliminary evidence on whether neuromodulation of an executive-control region can support functional motor-cognitive interactions in this population.
Interventions
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.
DEVICESham Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
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.
Sponsors
University of Gaziantep
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. * Age 65 years or older. * Currently receiving dopaminergic therapy. * Ability to stand independently for at least 30 seconds.
Exclusion criteria
* 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.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Cognitive Function Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) | Baseline and after 2 weeks of intervention | 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. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed