The Investigating Gait with Neuroimaging and Neuromodulation (IGNItioN) Lab focuses on the development of circuit-based neuromodulation interventions for Freezing of Gait (FoG) in Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Research Projects
What is Freezing of Gait?
Freezing of gait (FoG) is a common and debilitating condition in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients. FoG is described as an episodic inability to walk, which often triggers falls, hospitalization and is an important predictor of poor quality of life. We have two main lines of research that address FoG:
- Improving Deep Brain Stimulation as a Treatment for FoG: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is effective in approximately half of patients with FoG, however, its effects wane over time. The long-term goal of this research is to optimize FoG response to STN-DBS by identifying contributing modifiable factors. This will be accomplished by evaluating the neural correlates of FoG response in patients undergoing STN-DBS.
- Developing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Treatment for FoG: As locomotor regions degenerate in PD, gait automaticity is impaired. Patients compensate by increasing volitional control of gait however, this adaptation has been found to worsen FoG severity. The long-term goal of this project is to develop a therapeutic approach using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for FoG that simultaneously reduces cortical control and increases automaticity of gait.
