Neuromodulation of Central Sensory Integration to Improve Postural Control

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · Sep 19, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a method called neuromodulation, which aims to improve how the brain processes sensory information to help with balance. The goal is to see if this technique can enhance balance performance in breast cancer survivors who may have experienced cognitive difficulties or other quality-of-life issues after their treatment.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be women aged 60 to 85 who have survived breast cancer (stages I-IIIc) and completed certain types of chemotherapy. They should be able to walk without assistance and speak and read English. Participants will use a device that connects with a Fitbit to track their progress. If you meet these criteria and are interested, you can expect to participate in activities designed to assess and improve your balance under careful supervision.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Inclusion criteria for breast cancer survivors:
• • Women aged 60-85 years
• • Breast cancer survivors, stages I-IIIc
• • Completion of taxane chemotherapy treatment. Taxane combined with a history of anthracycline and/or cyclophosphamide is permitted. Active anti-estrogen therapy is permitted. Receiving platin based agents is permitted.
• • Ability to walk without an assistive device
• • Ability to speak and read English
• • Without neurological disease, aside from chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) or chemotherapy related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD)
• • No history of a second cancer
• • Own a device with capability to sync the Fitbit
• Exclusion criteria for cancer survivors:
• • Inability to stand or walk unassisted for 60 seconds
• • Hospitalization within the past three months due to acute illness or as the result of a musculoskeletal injury significantly affecting gait or balance
• • Any unstable medical condition
• • Diagnosis of a gait disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or dementia, multiple sclerosis, previous stroke or other neurodegenerative disorder. Cognitive status assessed via the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status (mTICS). We will exclude those with marked dementia (score below 31).
• • Chronic vertigo
• • Myocardial infarction within the past six months
• • History of platin chemotherapy
• • History of immunotherapy
• • Any history of brain or spine surgery, known hearing, visual, or vestibular impairment
• • Active chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy
• • Contraindications to transcranial direct simulation (tDCS), including reported seizure within the past five years, active use of neuro-active drugs, metal objects anywhere in the body, self-reported presence of specific implanted medical devices (e.g., deep brain stimulator, medication infusion pump, cochlear implant, pacemaker, etc.), or the presence of any active dermatological condition, such as eczema, on the scalp.
• • Currently taking anti-epileptic medication