Theta Burst TMS for Balance Problems in Older Adults

This study is looking at whether a treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can help older adults who have trouble with their balance. TMS uses magnets to gently stimulate a specific area of the brain. Researchers want to see if TMS changes how different parts of the brain communicate and if it improves balance. You might be able to join if you are 65 or older, have had falls in the past year, and can walk and stand on your own for at least 5 minutes. The study will measure brain activity using Electroencephalography (EEG) and your balance ability before, right after, and three months after the treatment to see if TMS is successful. The study is currently recruiting participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study with 30 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive active TMS or a placebo (sham) TMS.
What's involved
You will receive TMS or placebo stimulation for 4 weeks. You will visit the laboratory three times for checkups and tests, including an MRI scan and balance assessments.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your brain connectivity and balance ability will be measured at three months after the intervention.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06779188

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

Recruiting
EARLY_PHASE1Ages 65+InterventionalTreatment
Weinberg Medical Physics LLC
~30 participants
Updated 2026-08-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Transcranial Magnetic StimulationTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation Sham

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Electroencephalography functional connectivity
Measured over Before and immediately-after the intervention and at 3- month follow-up
+1 more outcome measured
Aging
Balance Deficits

NCT06779188

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • The Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research at the University of Houston

    Houston, Texasstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

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Eligibility criteria

Exclusion

Sedatives
Hypnotics
Anti-cholinergic
Benzodiazepines
Anti-depressants 16. Intracranial bleeds visible on their most recent CT or MRI scans.
  • Electroencephalography functional connectivityBefore and immediately-after the intervention and at 3- month follow-up

    Electroencephalography (EEG) will be used to measure the brain activity. The brain circuitry responsible for balance will be evaluated with EEG projected onto individual anatomical MRI. Directed functional connectivity between two regions of activation will be computed. The higher the functional connectivity coefficient, the stronger the connectivity.

  • miniBESTestBefore and immediately-after the intervention and at 3- month follow-up

    It provides a comprehensive assessment of anticipatory and reactive postural control, sensory orientation, and dynamic gait.