This study explored the effectiveness of intermittent θ burst trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (TsMS) on gait and balance disorders in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients through a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Participants received either active or sham TsMS at the third thoracic vertebra for five consecutive days, with evaluations conducted at baseline, immediately after, and 1 and 4 weeks post-treatment. The primary outcome focused on Total Timed Up and Go (TUG) values 1 week after intervention, with secondary outcomes assessing motor functions, gait, balance, quality of life, and cognition.

The trial included 33 patients, with an average age of 68.5 years in the active group and 70.3 years in the sham group. Results showed no significant improvement in TUG values or secondary outcomes between the active and sham groups one week after stimulation. Mild side effects were reported in five patients. The study concluded that TsMS did not significantly enhance gait or balance in PD patients, although the protocol was deemed safe and well-tolerated. This finding contributes to the ongoing exploration of non-invasive treatments for PD-related gait disorders, indicating that TsMS, in its current form, may not offer the anticipated benefits.