Understanding how brain mechanisms affect walking in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Neurophysiology of impaired gait in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11044333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain help control walking, especially in mice with Parkinson's disease, to find new ways to improve walking difficulties for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $476,643 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS136137-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience gait impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Parkinson's disease or those who do not have gait issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that control walking, particularly in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. By focusing on the basal ganglia, which are crucial for movement, the study aims to understand how these brain regions influence gait at a detailed level. Researchers will employ advanced techniques such as high-speed video, automated tracking, and electrophysiology to analyze how specific brain cells contribute to walking patterns. The goal is to identify potential targets for improving therapies for gait impairment in Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for improving walking abilities in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding movement disorders through similar neurophysiological approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Masmanidis, Sotiris — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Masmanidis, Sotiris
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Personalized closed-loop treatment for freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease
A new implantable brain device trial aims to reduce freezing of gait in people with Parkinson’s by using on-device brain signals to guide stimulation in real time.
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Understanding movement transitions in Parkinson's disease and how cues help freezing of gait
A study with people who have Parkinson's disease will explore why freezing of gait happens during movement changes and how external cues might help keep steps going.
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Feasibility of an AI-Driven Gait Freeze Detector to Trigger Pauses and Cues in Parkinson’s
A small study tests an AI system that detects when a person with Parkinson’s is about to freeze and gives a cue only at that moment to help them keep walking.
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Stimulation of the vagus nerve to help gait in Veterans with Parkinson’s disease
A non-invasive, home-based treatment using a handheld device to stimulate the vagus nerve may improve walking and balance for Veterans living with Parkinson’s disease.
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How Parkinson's affects walking and brain signals
This project looks at how Parkinson's and levodopa change brain activity during walking and whether cueing helps people walk more automatically.
-
Why walking starts and turns can trigger freezing in Parkinson's
This project looks at brain and balance signals in people with Parkinson's who freeze when they start walking or turn, and how external cues can help.
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.