Study Title: Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Gait and Posture in Parkinson's Disease
Intervention: Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Phase: Not specified
Status: Recruiting
Vagal Nerve Stimulation modulates the cholinergic system and brainstem nuclei:
- Target: Parasympathetic vagus nerve stimulation
- Mechanism: Activates locus coeruleus, nucleus tractus solitarius
- PD connection: Brainstem involvement in PD pathophysiology; VNS may improve autonomic function and gait stability
Gait dysfunction and postural instability are major causes of disability in PD:
- Falls and fractures significantly impact quality of life
- Conventional dopaminergic therapies often poorly control axial symptoms
- VNS offers a non-dopaminergic approach to motor complications
- Potential benefits for autonomic dysfunction in PD
- Assessment of gait parameters (timed up and go, stride length)
- Postural stability measures (tilt board, Berg Balance Scale)
- Motor scores (UPDRS part III)
- Quality of life assessments
NCT07226284
- ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT07226284