Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand


Electrocortical Dynamics of Usual Walking and the Planning to Step over Obstacles in Parkinson's Disease

Full text
Author(s):
Vitorio, Rodrigo ; Lirani-Silva, Ellen ; Orcioli-Silva, Diego ; Beretta, Victor Spiandor ; Oliveira, Anderson Souza ; Gobbi, Lilian Teresa Bucken
Total Authors: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: SENSORS; v. 23, n. 10, p. 13-pg., 2023-05-18.
Abstract

The neural correlates of locomotion impairments observed in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) are not fully understood. We investigated whether people with PD present distinct brain electrocortical activity during usual walking and the approach phase of obstacle avoidance when compared to healthy individuals. Fifteen people with PD and fourteen older adults walked overground in two conditions: usual walking and obstacle crossing. Scalp electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded using a mobile 64-channel EEG system. Independent components were clustered using a k-means clustering algorithm. Outcome measures included absolute power in several frequency bands and alpha/beta ratio. During the usual walk, people with PD presented a greater alpha/beta ratio in the left sensorimotor cortex than healthy individuals. While approaching obstacles, both groups reduced alpha and beta power in the premotor and right sensorimotor cortices (balance demand) and increased gamma power in the primary visual cortex (visual demand). Only people with PD reduced alpha power and alpha/beta ratio in the left sensorimotor cortex when approaching obstacles. These findings suggest that PD affects the cortical control of usual walking, leading to a greater proportion of low-frequency (alpha) neuronal firing in the sensorimotor cortex. Moreover, the planning for obstacle avoidance changes the electrocortical dynamics associated with increased balance and visual demands. People with PD rely on increased sensorimotor integration to modulate locomotion. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/19845-1 - Electroencephalographic signal analysis in locomotion studies
Grantee:Lilian Teresa Bucken Gobbi
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
FAPESP's process: 14/22308-0 - The effects of Parkinson's disease on electroencephalography recordings during free walking and obstacle crossing
Grantee:Rodrigo Vitório
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral