Understanding how Parkinson's disease affects balance and posture

Neural mechanisms of impaired postural control in people with Parkinson's disease

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10995801

This study is looking at how the brain affects balance and posture in people with Parkinson's disease, using safe techniques to see how their muscle control differs from those without the condition, all to better understand how to help improve their movement and stability.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10995801 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural mechanisms behind impaired postural control in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Using noninvasive techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS), the study aims to assess how different neural pathways contribute to trunk muscle control during various postures and movements. By comparing responses in people with PD to healthy controls, the research seeks to uncover the underlying causes of abnormal trunk posturing and its impact on mobility.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have Parkinson's disease or those with other unrelated mobility issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and interventions for enhancing balance and mobility in patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies using noninvasive neuromodulation techniques have shown promise in understanding motor control in other neurological conditions.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, 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.