Brain activity during movements in Parkinson’s
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Brain activity during movements in Parkinson’s using using MRI, mobile EEG, and local field potential recordings from DBS implants.
IRAS ID
289638
Contact name
Nicola Ray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
People living with Parkinson's suffer from impaired movement control. This study will focus on how the brain controls continuous movements and gait in people with Parkinson's.
Movements made in every day life are often continuous in nature, yet are rarely studied in an experimental setting. Therefore, we will investigate the role of the basal ganglia in continuous motor control.
In addition, postural instability and gait disturbances (PIGDs) are some of the most disabling symptoms of Parkinson’s. Degeneration of a region of the brain stem known as the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is linked with PIGDs. Recent research has shown that the connections of the PPN with the basal ganglia (a region important for posture and gait), are a potential target to treat PIGDs. In the current study, we will investigate the role of the connections between the PPN and the basal ganglia during posture and gait for the first time in humans.
To achieve this, we will take advantage of two new technological advances:
Imaging the PPN: We recently developed an imaging method to measure the structure of the PPN.
Wireless recordings directly from the basal ganglia: The Greater Manchester Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) service will be using new wireless Percept-Medtronic DBS devices. A DBS is implanted to activate an area of the brain which degenerates in Parkinson’s and can alleviate symptoms. However, we will be using the device to record brain activity whilst the participants make movements.
We will recruit 20 Participants for two visits. Visit 1 will take place before their DBS surgery, and will include a brain scan and a cognitive assessment. At the second visit, they will complete an assessment of continuous motor control, and a gait and balance assessment using a motion tracking suit, EEG and EMG, whilst recordings are also taken from their DBS implant.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0002
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jan 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion