Are you interested in participating in a Balance study?
We’re looking for participants to take part in our study of people with post-concussion syndrome. We’ll be examining the effects of brain stimulation and balance training on dizziness and postural stability.
Are you Eligible?
Must be:
- 18-65 years of age
- Concussion longer than 3 months
- Experiencing dizziness or vertigo
For more information about this study, please contact:
Daniel Soppitt (soppittd@mcmaster.ca)
This study has been reviewed by, and received ethics clearance by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (HIREB) under project #17699. More information can be obtained by emailing macpain@mcmaster.ca, or by calling 289-260-6090
What are we exploring?
Does 14 days of brain stimulation and balance training affect dizziness and postural stability in individuals with post-concussive dizziness?
Why Should You Participate?
This study will be the first of its kind to explore brain stimulation paired with balance training in post-concussive dizziness!
What will happen during your visits?
Locations:
Sessions will run at either McMaster University or Greenbank Concussion Clinic
Real vs Sham:
Participants will be randomized (50/50) to receive either REAL or SHAM* brain stimulation.
*SHAM brain stimulation sounds and feels like REAL, but does not actually stimulate the brain.
18 Total Visits:
14 sessions of rTMS + AR balance training (1.5 hours each)
4 assessment visits measuring concussion symptoms like dizziness (2 hours each)
You may opt into a blood draw to examine inflammation and potential biomarkers of dizziness.
Compensation:
A parking pass or up to $12 for transportation for each visit will be provided.
About transcranial magnetic stimulation:
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is non-invasive brain stimulation. rTMS delivers magnetic pulses to the brain. The magnetic pulses stimulate neurons and change brain activity.
rTMS has a tapping-like sensation and is not painful.
rTMS sounds like clicking.
rTMS and concussions:
rTMS delivered over the motor cortex (M1), responsible for movement, may improve balance training and post-concussion symptoms.
About our new Augmented Reality Balance Training:
This study involves a form of balance training presented through augmented reality glasses. Augmented reality projects interactive virtual objects onto the user’s environment.
