Understanding how brain stimulation affects walking in Parkinson's patients

Imaging Biomarkers of Freezing of Gait Response to Deep Brain Stimulation

NIH-funded research Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10801555

This study is looking at how deep brain stimulation can help people with advanced Parkinson's disease who experience freezing of gait, and it aims to understand how the brain's connections affect the treatment's success.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical University of South Carolina NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10801555 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on freezing of gait (FOG) in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Using advanced diffusion MRI techniques, the study aims to explore the brain's structural connections and how they relate to the effectiveness of DBS. By comparing responses between patients who benefit from the treatment and those who do not, the research seeks to identify factors that could enhance the effectiveness of DBS over time. Patients selected for DBS surgery will undergo imaging and behavioral assessments to gather comprehensive data.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with advanced Parkinson's disease who are selected to undergo deep brain stimulation surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease or those not eligible for deep brain stimulation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for freezing of gait in Parkinson's patients, enhancing their mobility and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using neuroimaging to understand brain responses to deep brain stimulation, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Charleston, 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.