NeuralCipher Research overview
The text below is the source article’s original abstract under a verified reuse license. cc by
BackgroundFollowing high-frequency (>100 Hz) deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS), some people with Parkinson's disease (PD) report poorer balance which may contribute to an increased falls risk. However, low-frequency (60 Hz) STN-DBS may improve balance. To better understand the effect of low-frequency STN-DBS, this double-blind randomised crossover study evaluated the acute effects of this therapy on objective measures of balance during standing and gait initiation in people with PD.MethodsSixteen post-operative PD patients completed standing, walking and clinical assessments while off medication and receiving high- and low-frequency STN-DBS therapy. Changes in balance were measured using a force plate to provide insight into the effect of stimulation strategy on balance during standing and gait initiation.ResultsLinear mixed model analyses indicated that balance during both standing and the locomotion phase of gait initiation was improved with low-frequency STN-DBS, while no difference in the postural phase of gait initiation. These effects were independent of electrode location and total electrical energy delivered. No differences were noted between stimulation conditions for clinical measures of mobility, motor symptom severity, or gait retropulsion.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for the acute benefits of low-frequency stimulation for improving objective measures of balance during standing and gait initiation in STN-DBS PD patients, independent of DBS electrode contact location. However, the benefits of this alternate therapy may be reduced for patients who experienced significant pre-operative tremor, as low frequency was less effective for managing tremor.Trial registryAustralian New ZealandClinical Trials RegistryURL: www.anzctr.org.au.Registration numberACTRN12618000944235.
Scientific assessment
Research question
Assess the question within the original study’s scope.
Methods & sample
Check the source article for study design and sample details.
Key findings
An editorially approved findings summary is not yet published for this record.
Limitations
Generalizability, bias and clinical meaning require separate assessment.
Methods, samples and clinical conclusions are not inferred from bibliographic metadata.