In the world of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a common gait impairment is having a short step length, especially when it comes to dual-task walking. But fear not, scientists are investigating a revolutionary stride awareness strategy that could potentially improve this condition. By using electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity, researchers aim to uncover the neural mechanisms behind this strategy. In a study involving individuals with mild gait impairment due to PD, participants were instructed to walk while preventing two interlocking rings from touching each other. The results showed that with stride awareness instruction, participants with PD exhibited greater gait velocity and step length. Interestingly, there was also a significant decrease in the connectivity strength of brain activity in the beta band. These changes in the beta band connectivity positively correlated with improvements in gait velocity, cadence, and step length, while inversely correlating with changes in step-length variability. This groundbreaking study highlights how stride awareness can modulate brain activity and enhance walking efficacy for individuals with PD in dual-task situations. If you want to dive deeper into this fascinating research, check out the full article!
Due to basal ganglia dysfunction, short step length is a common gait impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD), especially in a dual-task walking. Here, we use electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity to investigate neural mechanisms of a stride awareness strategy that could improve dual-task walking in PD. Eighteen individuals with PD who had mild gait impairment walked at self-paced speed while keeping two interlocking rings from touching each other. During the dual-task walking trial, the participants received or did not receive awareness instruction to take big steps. Gait parameters, ring-touching time, and EEG connectivity in the alpha and beta bands were analyzed. With stride awareness, individuals with PD exhibited greater gait velocity and step length, along with a significantly lower mean EEG connectivity strength in the beta band. The awareness-related changes in the EEG connectivity strength of the beta band positively correlated with the awareness-related changes in gait velocity, cadence, and step length, but negatively correlated with the awareness-related change in step-length variability. The smaller reduction in beta connectivity strength was associated with greater improvement in locomotion control with stride awareness. This study is the first to reveal that a stride awareness strategy modulates the beta band oscillatory network and is related to walking efficacy in individuals with PD in a dual-task condition.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.