Improving balance responses in people with Parkinson's disease
Motor learning of protective responses to balance perturbations in persons with Parkinson's Disease
This study is looking at how people with Parkinson's disease can improve their balance and reduce falls by trying out different practice methods, so they can learn to respond better when they lose their balance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10862785 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with Parkinson's disease can learn to better respond to balance challenges, which is crucial since many experience frequent falls. The study focuses on different practice schedules to see which method helps patients acquire and retain protective balance responses more effectively. By using treadmill perturbations, the research aims to identify the best training strategies that can enhance motor skills and improve overall safety for patients. The findings could lead to more effective rehabilitation techniques tailored specifically for those with Parkinson's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience balance issues and are at risk of falling.
Not a fit: Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not have significant balance problems or those who are unable to participate in physical training may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of falls and related injuries in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that balance training can be effective in older adults, but this specific approach for Parkinson's disease is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akinlosotu, Ruth Yetunde — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Akinlosotu, Ruth Yetunde
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.