Understanding how the brain controls walking on uneven surfaces
Generation of Motor Cortical Dynamics Controlling Skilled Locomotion
This study looks at how the brain helps us move our arms and legs while walking, especially on tricky surfaces, to better understand how to keep older adults safe from falls.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11091998 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain generates commands for limb movements during walking, particularly over challenging terrains. By studying the motor cortex's activity patterns in animals, the research aims to uncover how these patterns relate to specific movements and how they are influenced by inputs from other brain regions. The goal is to identify the principles that govern the brain's control of walking, which could help in understanding and preventing falls in older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk of falls due to impaired motor control.
Not a fit: Patients with stable mobility and no history of falls or motor control issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing falls in older adults by enhancing our understanding of motor control during walking.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding motor control in simpler contexts, but this approach to studying complex locomotion dynamics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sauerbrei, Britton Alan — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Sauerbrei, Britton Alan
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 below.