Basal Ganglia Contributions to Transitions in Freezing of Gait and Parkinson's Disease
The purpose of this research is to examine the possible causes and signs of freezing of gait (FOG) secondary to Parkinson's disease (PD). To achieve this, the study will use the novel (on-label and FDA-approved) local field potential (LFP) measuring capability of the Medtronic Percept™ deep brain stimulation (DBS) system to compare oscillatory activity in people who have Parkinson's disease, with and without freezing of gait (FOG). This will be conducted as three separate experiments, participants may volunteer for one or more experiments: Experiment 1: The first experiment will compare LFPs during gait initiation with and without a cue, in people with (PD+FOG) and without FOG (PD-FOG). Experiment 2: The second experiment will compare LFPs during the successful movement transitions vs. freezing-events during a FOG provocation course in people with FOG. Experiment 3: The third experiment will compare LFPs during rapid alternating movements of the wrist and/or foot, in people with and without FOG
• Diagnosis of idiopathic PD.
• Age 21-75 (see Inclusion of Individuals across the Lifespan for justification of age range).
• Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (e.g. cane) for 50 meters.
• Implanted Medtronic Percept TM Device.
• At least 3 months since the initial activation of the neurostimulator.
• Undervalued, under-represented, or disenfranchised social group may be included.
• Active members of the military (service members), DoD personnel (including civilian employees) may be included.
• Individual or group that is disadvantaged in the distribution of social goods and services such as income, housing, or healthcare may be included.