Trial results for a study investigating Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulsation (LIFUP) for motor deficits in Parkinson's Disease were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-02-04, with 31 participants enrolled.
Background
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting motor function, leading to symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. Current treatments often involve medications that manage symptoms but do not halt disease progression, and some patients may experience side effects or reduced efficacy over time. There is an ongoing need for novel, non-invasive therapeutic approaches. Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulsation (LIFUP) is a new technique designed to increase brain activity in specific target areas. This study explored LIFUP as a potential non-invasive, non-medication treatment for PD motor symptoms, with the ability to observe its effects on brain activity, blood flow, and brain connectivity in real-time using MRI.
Trial design
This completed study, designated as Phase NA, enrolled 31 participants diagnosed with Parkinson Disease. The trial aimed to test the feasibility of using LIFUP to treat motor symptoms. Participants underwent either an Active LIFUP Session or a Sham LIFUP Session to assess the intervention's effects.
Key results
The trial reported several key measurements related to motor function:
- Motor Assessment 1: Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Section 3 (score on a scale):
- In the Active LIFUP Session, a mean score of 37.24 (Standard Deviation 9.91) was observed.
- In the Sham LIFUP Session, a mean score of 35.14 (Standard Deviation 8.28) was observed.
- Another measurement for the Active LIFUP Session showed a mean score of 36.93 (Standard Deviation 9.54).
- Another measurement for the Sham LIFUP Session showed a mean score of 34.21 (Standard Deviation 9.43).
- Motor Assessment 2: Finger Tapping (Score) (score on a scale):
- In the Active LIFUP Session, a mean score of 1.48 (Standard Deviation 0.829) was observed.
- In the Sham LIFUP Session, a mean score of 1.45 (Standard Deviation 0.936) was observed.
- Another measurement for the Active LIFUP Session showed a mean score of 1.66 (Standard Deviation 0.974).
- Another measurement for the Sham LIFUP Session showed a mean score of 1.34 (Standard Deviation 0.948).
- Motor Assessment 2: Finger Tapping (Speed) (tap amplitude per second):
- In the Active LIFUP Session, a mean speed of 1.81 (Standard Deviation 0.75) was observed.
- In the Sham LIFUP Session, a mean speed of 1.72 (Standard Deviation 0.74) was observed.
- Another measurement for the Active LIFUP Session showed a mean speed of 1.70 (Standard Deviation 0.75).
- Another measurement for the Sham LIFUP Session showed a mean speed of 1.94 (Standard Deviation 0.80).
What this means
The posted results provide descriptive data on motor assessments for participants with Parkinson's Disease who underwent either an active or sham Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulsation (LIFUP) session. The measurements, including UPDRS Section 3 scores and Finger Tapping scores and speeds, offer initial insights into the motor function observed in both groups. As no comparative analyses or statistical significance values were reported, these results primarily contribute to understanding the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of LIFUP in this context, marking a step towards exploring novel, non-invasive, non-medication treatment options for Parkinson's Disease.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT04593875, titled "LIFUP for Treatment of Motor Deficits in Parkinson's Disease", were posted on 2026-02-04 on clinicaltrials.gov.