Understanding brain activity during walking in people with Parkinson's disease

Cortical basal ganglia network dynamics during human gait control

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11004607

This study is looking at how certain brain networks help control walking in people with Parkinson's disease, using special devices to track brain activity and movement in everyday life and controlled settings, with the hope of finding better ways to improve walking for those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11004607 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific brain networks, particularly the cortical-basal ganglia circuits, control walking in individuals with Parkinson's disease. By using advanced devices to monitor brain activity and movement, the study aims to identify the neural patterns associated with normal and abnormal gait. Patients will be monitored in both natural settings and controlled environments to gather comprehensive data on their walking behaviors. The goal is to enhance our understanding of gait disorders and develop new treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience gait abnormalities.

Not a fit: Patients without Parkinson's disease or those who do not experience gait issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for gait disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain activity related to movement, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.