Targeted Pathway Activation to Improve Gait and Balance in Parkinson’s Disease
Official title: Targeted Pathway Activation for PosturalInstability and Gait Disorder in Parkinson'sDisease
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11362297 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests a new way to improve walking and balance problems in people with Parkinson’s disease using more precise deep brain stimulation targets.
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 start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $745,995 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS124814-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362297 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Parkinson’s disease who have postural instability and gait disorder and are eligible for DBS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without advanced Parkinson’s symptoms or those not being considered for DBS may not benefit.
What this research studies
For patients with Parkinson’s disease who struggle with gait and balance, this project aims to optimize deep brain stimulation by targeting specific brain pathways that control walking. The team will use advanced MRI imaging and patient-specific computer models to guide stimulation toward pathways that may better relieve postural instability and gait disorder. By focusing stimulation more precisely, researchers hope to make DBS more effective for PIGD while reducing side effects. The study builds on existing DBS approaches but seeks to tailor targets to individual patients to maximize benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience stronger improvements in walking, balance, and independence.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work suggests targeted DBS approaches can improve symptom control in PD, but this project tests a more precise pathway-directed strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooper, Scott E — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Cooper, Scott E
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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.