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.
None
Inability to provide informed consent.
Non-English speaking.
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)
Unintentional weight loss of ≥10 pounds over the past year.
Weinberg Medical Physics LLC
Lead sponsor
University of Houston
Collaborator
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator