What this study is
Simplified from ClinicalTrials.govStudying how the cerebellum (a part at the back of the brain) and the cerebral cortex (the brain's outer layer) communicate, to learn how they help control balance, in healthy younger adults ages 21-35 and older adults ages 65-95.
Read the original summary from ClinicalTrials.gov
This study will investigate how communication between the cerebellum and cerebral cortex contributes to balance control and adaptation in younger and older adults.
The study will enroll healthy younger adults ages 21-35 years and older adults ages 65-95 years. Participants will complete a single testing session that includes clinical balance assessments, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and reactive balance testing using an instrumented treadmill.
Cerebello-cortical connectivity will be measured before and after reactive balance testing using cerebellar brain inhibition (CBI) and the cerebellar TMS-evoked potential P80. The study will examine how these measures relate to cortical activity, balance recovery, and adaptation across repeated perturbations, and whether these relationships differ between younger and older adults.
What's being tested
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Assessment
Intervention · DEVICE
Single-pulse and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation will be delivered using a Magstim BiStim² stimulator and compatible coils to assess cerebello-cortical excitability. Dual-site TMS will be used to assess cerebellar brain inhibition, and cerebellar TMS combined with EEG will be used to assess the P80 TMS-evoked potential. Measurements will be collected before and after reactive balance testing. TMS is used as a research measurement procedure, not as a therapeutic intervention.
- Reactive Balance Adaptation Task
Intervention · BEHAVIORAL
Participants will complete a single session of reactive balance testing on an instrumented treadmill. Support-surface translations of varying magnitude will first be delivered to determine the reactive step threshold, followed by repeated perturbations at a fixed magnitude to evaluate balance recovery and adaptation. Participants will wear an overhead safety harness, and trained research personnel will supervise all testing.
Study details
- Official title
- Cerebello-cortical Connectivity as an Adaptive Mechanism for Balance Control With Aging
- Sponsor
- University of Minnesota
- Conditions
- Aging · Postural Balance · Motor Adaptation
- Enrolling
- 58 people
- Starts
- 2027-01-01
- Est. completion
- 2028-09-30
- Design
- Open-label, single group
- Record
- View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Who can join
Age 21 Years – 95 YearsSex ALLHealthy volunteers AcceptedYou may qualify if
- Adults aged 21-35 years (younger adult group) or 65-95 years (older adult group).
- Willing and able to participate in and comply with all study procedures.
- Able to provide informed consent and communicate with study researchers.
- English-speaking.
- No major orthopedic disability.
- Vision of 20/40 or better, with or without corrective lenses, by self-report.
- Able to stand for 10 minutes and walk 10 meters with or without an assistive device, without assistance from another person.
You can't join if
- History of seizure, epilepsy, or convulsion in the participant or an immediate family member.
- Current use of antiepileptic medications.
- Metal or electrical implant in the head, neck, or chest, other than dental work.
- Any other contraindication identified on the TMS safety screening form.
- Pregnancy.
- Neurological diagnosis including stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, cerebellar ataxia, or other progressive movement disorders.
- Insulin-dependent diabetes.
- Peripheral neuropathy.
- Significant sensory impairment affecting balance or cognition, including visual, vestibular, or auditory impairment.
- Active dermatitis, infection, or open wounds on the head or scalp.
- Head injury or concussion within the previous year.
- Lower-extremity joint replacement or major orthopedic surgery within the previous year.
Sign in and we'll check these against your records.Full criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Study locations (1)
1 openUniversity of Minnesota - Brains in Motion Laboratory, 426 Church Street SE, Room 219, Children's Rehabilitation Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Jacqueline Palmer, PT, DPT, PhD · Contact612-626-4364brainsinmotion@umn.edu
Study team
Sponsor
University of Minnesota
Study ID STUDY00026491
Principal investigator
Jacqueline Palmer, PT, DPT, PhD
University of Minnesota
Frequently asked questions
The sponsor hasn't published answers to common questions for this trial.