Understanding movement transitions in Parkinson's disease and how cues help freezing of gait

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project focuses on Parkinson’s patients who experience freezing of gait (FOG), a common cause of falls and reduced mobility. Researchers will examine how brain and body systems communicate during movement state changes, like starting to walk or turning, and why self-initiated movements sometimes fail. They will test whether external cues (like sounds or lights) improve movement by altering brain communication and reducing FOG episodes. The study combines brain and motor assessments to identify targets for better therapies. Results could lead to new interventions that help patients stay mobile and safe.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Minnesota
  Minneapolis, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Huffmaster, Sommer L — University of Minnesota
• Study coordinator: Huffmaster, Sommer L

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• 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.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11424676

• 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.

  NIH research Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland, United States · NIH-11354931

• 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.

  NIH research University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-11177626

• 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.

  NIH research Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital · Hines, United States · NIH-11319019

• 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.

  NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11290413

• Improving walking in Veterans with Parkinson's disease using vagus nerve stimulation

  This study is looking at how a simple, handheld device that gently stimulates a nerve in the neck can help Veterans with Parkinson's disease improve their walking and balance, making it easier for them to manage their daily lives at home.

  NIH research Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital · Hines, United States · NIH-11053957

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.