Japanese Researchers Discover Breakthrough Neuromodulation Technique for Parkinson’s Disease
Millions of people worldwide suffer from Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurological disorder that causes gait irregularities and significantly affects their quality of life. While there are various treatments available, including medication, surgery, and rehabilitation, their effectiveness is limited. However, a group of Japanese researchers has recently made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
In their study, the researchers observed remarkable improvements in gait among individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders by using a novel technique called gait-combined closed-loop transcranial electrical stimulation. The results of their study were published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry on June 9, 2023, giving hope to people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Lead author Ippei Nojima, from Shinshu University and Nagoya City University in Japan, explained the concept behind their innovative approach. They developed a new method called gait-combined closed-loop transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), which has previously shown promising results in stroke patients. In this study, they aimed to test the efficacy of this intervention in patients with Parkinsonian gait disturbances.
For their research, the Japanese team recruited twenty-three patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease or Parkinson’s syndrome. These participants were randomly divided into two groups, with one receiving the active treatment and the other receiving a sham treatment that mimicked the active treatment but offered no therapeutic benefits.
During the trial, a low current electrode (up to 2 mA) was attached externally to the back of the head, targeting the cerebellum, a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in gait control. Additionally, a reference electrode was placed in the neck to establish a stable electrical circuit. The researchers specifically targeted the brain side showing severe impact during the treatment.
The results of the study were encouraging, showing significant improvements in gait parameters such as speed, gait symmetry, and stride length in the treatment group. The researchers concluded that gait-combined closed-loop transcranial electrical stimulation over the cerebellum could potentially improve Parkinsonian gait disturbances by modulating the brain networks responsible for generating gait rhythms.
One notable aspect of the study was the absence of any dropouts or adverse effects reported by the patients. Both the treatment and sham groups displayed good and comparable compliance, and there were no cases of skin irritation, vertigo, or odd sensations during the treatment.
The research holds special significance for Japan, given its rapidly aging population. Patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders often face restricted daily activities due to gait disturbances. The new non-pharmacological and non-invasive intervention developed by the researchers provides hope for improving the rehabilitation of patients with these conditions.
In conclusion, the Japanese researchers have discovered a breakthrough neuromodulation technique using gait-combined closed-loop transcranial electrical stimulation that shows promising results in enhancing gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. By specifically targeting the cerebellum, they were able to significantly improve gait parameters and potentially restore the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinsonian gait disturbances. This innovative approach offers new hope for patients and paves the way for further advancements in Parkinson’s disease treatment.
