Examining the Effects of Theta Burst TMS on Brain Connectivity and Balance Ability in Older Adults With Balance Problems

Description

The goal of this study is to learn if manipulating the brain using magnets works to treat balance impairment, a major cause of falls, in older adults with balance problems. The technique to manipulate the brain using magnets is known as transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * How does TMS change communication between brain areas? * Does TMS improve balance ability in older adults with balance problems? Researchers will compare the TMS group to a placebo group to see if manipulating the brain using magnets works to treat balance impairment. Participants will: * Receive TMS or placebo stimulation for 4 weeks. * Visit the laboratory for checkups and tests 3 times.

Conditions

Aging, Balance Deficits

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this study is to learn if manipulating the brain using magnets works to treat balance impairment, a major cause of falls, in older adults with balance problems. The technique to manipulate the brain using magnets is known as transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * How does TMS change communication between brain areas? * Does TMS improve balance ability in older adults with balance problems? Researchers will compare the TMS group to a placebo group to see if manipulating the brain using magnets works to treat balance impairment. Participants will: * Receive TMS or placebo stimulation for 4 weeks. * Visit the laboratory for checkups and tests 3 times.

Treating Balance Impairment of the Elderly With TMS-induced Brain Connectivity

Examining the Effects of Theta Burst TMS on Brain Connectivity and Balance Ability in Older Adults With Balance Problems

Condition
Aging
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Houston

The Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research at the University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States, 77204

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Inability to provide informed consent.
  • 2. Non-English speaking.
  • 3. Have contraindications to TMS based on TMS Adult Safety Screen (e.g., pregnancy, metal in the brain/skull, neurostimulator, pacemaker, infusion device, medication to treat mental illness)
  • 4. Unintentional weight loss of ≥10 pounds over the past year.
  • 5. Severe uncontrolled hypertension, or uncontrolled diabetes.
  • 6. Poor cognitive status (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 26)
  • 7. Untreated depression or Geriatric Depression Scale score on 15 item scale \>7
  • 8. History of limb amputation (upper or lower extremity)
  • 9. Planned surgery in the next 3 months.
  • 10. History of chemotherapy or planned chemotherapy in the next 6 months or active malignancy.
  • 11. Severe osteoporosis, defined by diagnosis of osteoporosis with fracture.
  • 12. Pregnant or have a chance of being pregnant.
  • 13. Chronic inflammatory condition, autoimmune disease or infectious processes such as active tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, acute or chronic hepatitis B or C.
  • 14. Illicit drug use
  • 15. Use of medications that may increase the risk of falling:
  • * Sedatives
  • * Hypnotics
  • * Anti-cholinergic
  • * Benzodiazepines
  • * Anti-depressants
  • 16. Intracranial bleeds visible on their most recent CT or MRI scans.

Ages Eligible for Study

65 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Weinberg Medical Physics LLC,

Study Record Dates

2026-05-31