How deep brain stimulation near the subthalamic area changes the ability to stop movements in Parkinson's
Resolving the paradoxical effects of subthalamic deep-brain stimulation on inhibitory motor control
This project tests whether subthalamic deep brain stimulation helps or hinders the ability of people with Parkinson's disease to stop or control movements.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137443 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have Parkinson's and a subthalamic DBS implant, researchers will measure how well you can stop a simple movement using a computer-based stopping task. They will compare performance and brain signals from the subthalamic region with stimulation on versus off to see how stimulation changes inhibitory control. The work links behavioral tests (the stop-signal task) with neural recordings to resolve conflicting past results. Participation will involve in-person testing at the study site and brief behavioral sessions while DBS settings are adjusted.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with Parkinson's disease who already have subthalamic DBS electrodes implanted and can perform brief computer-based motor tests.
Not a fit: People without DBS implants, those with DBS placed in other brain targets, or those unable to perform the stopping task (for example due to severe cognitive impairment) would not directly benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide DBS programming to improve movement control and reduce unwanted side effects for people with Parkinson's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have reported mixed and sometimes contradictory effects of STN DBS on stopping ability, so this work aims to clarify an unresolved paradox rather than reproduce an established effect.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wessel, Jan R — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Wessel, Jan R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.