Understanding the causes of freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease using advanced technology
Official title: Leveraging invasive recordings and immersive virtual reality to characterize freezing of gait mechanisms in Parkinson disease
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11022800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how freezing of gait happens in people with advanced Parkinson's disease by monitoring brain activity while they walk in virtual reality, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve their movement.
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 | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $578,329 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS140283-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with advanced Parkinson's disease who experience episodes of freezing of gait.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease or those without freezing of gait symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind freezing of gait (FOG), a debilitating symptom in advanced Parkinson's disease. By utilizing a combination of invasive recordings from the brain and immersive virtual reality, the study aims to identify specific neural activity patterns that contribute to FOG. Patients will participate in walking tasks while their brain activity is monitored, helping researchers understand how different brain regions interact during these episodes. The goal is to develop new biomarkers that could lead to improved treatment options for those affected by FOG.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted therapies for patients suffering from freezing of gait, improving their mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain recordings and virtual reality to study movement disorders, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cross, Kathryn Amy — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Cross, Kathryn Amy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Why walking suddenly stops in Parkinson's — brain recordings with virtual reality
Using brain sensors, EEG, motion capture, and a virtual-reality walking setup, researchers will look for specific brain signals when people with Parkinson's disease suddenly freeze while walking.
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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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Imaging clues to how deep brain stimulation helps freezing of gait in Parkinson’s
This study uses brain imaging to understand why deep brain stimulation helps or doesn’t help freezing of gait in people with Parkinson’s disease.
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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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Wearable device to prevent freezing of gait in Parkinson's
This project builds a small wearable that detects freezing of gait in people with Parkinson's and provides personalized cues to help them start walking again.
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.