Improving Deep Brain Stimulation for Balance and Walking Problems in Parkinson's Disease
Targeted Pathway Activation for PosturalInstability and Gait Disorder in Parkinson'sDisease
This project aims to improve deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for people with Parkinson's disease who experience difficulties with balance and walking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125930 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For individuals with Parkinson's disease, deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help with many symptoms, but it often doesn't fully address problems with balance and walking. This project explores new ways to fine-tune DBS by targeting specific brain pathways that are thought to control these movements. Using advanced imaging and computer models, researchers hope to guide the DBS electrodes more precisely. The goal is to make DBS more effective for improving balance and walking, which are major challenges for many patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future clinical applications of this research would be individuals with Parkinson's disease who are candidates for or have already received deep brain stimulation and experience postural instability and gait disorder.
Not a fit: Patients whose Parkinson's symptoms are well-controlled by current therapies or who are not candidates for deep brain stimulation may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective deep brain stimulation treatments for Parkinson's patients struggling with balance and walking difficulties.
How similar studies have performed: Deep brain stimulation is an established therapy for Parkinson's disease, but this approach seeks to refine targeting for specific symptoms, building on existing knowledge while exploring novel pathways.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooper, Scott E — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Cooper, Scott E
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.