Scientists from Shinshu University have developed electrical brain stimulation to improve walking in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Research published Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
Gait disorders negatively affect the quality of life of Parkinson’s patients. They are manifested by a decrease in stride length, a decrease in arm span, slowing of movements, stiffness in the muscles and instability in the upright position. The efficacy of pharmacological, surgical and rehabilitation treatment methods is limited.
The new study involved 23 patients with Parkinson’s disease. They were randomly assigned to receive real brain stimulation or sham therapy.
During the experiment, an electrode was attached to the outside of the back of the participant’s head to stimulate the cerebellum region of the brain responsible for the balance and coordination of movements. In this case, the current supply was individually adjusted so that the stimulation coincided with the moment of heel contact with the ground. The method is called combined closed-loop transcranial electrical stimulation (tES).
The treatment group showed significant improvement in gait parameters such as speed, gait symmetry, and stride length. Side effects such as skin irritation, dizziness or sensory disturbances were not observed in any of the volunteers.
While the study has some limitations, it suggests that personalized brain stimulation synchronized with individual gait rhythm could be used as an adjunct therapy in Parkinson’s disease.
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