Abstract

This project will explore the role of the Supplementary Motor Area (SMA) and dorsal Premotor cortex (dPMC) in the postural preparation and execution of voluntary stepping with and without visual targets in healthy and Parkinson's disease (PD) human subjects. The excitability of these cortical regions will be 'temporarily depressed by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Measures of step timing and placement, prepatory shifts in foot pressure, and electromyographical records of muscle activity will provide data regarding the effect of PD, visual condition, levodopa, and rTMS on step preparation and execution. Hypotheses: (1.) The SMA is important for movement preparation and postural coordination prior to a voluntary step, and the symptom of bradykinesia (slow step initiation and impaired preparatory shifts in foot pressure) in PD is associated with impaired activity in the SMA. (2.) The dPMC is important for integrating visual input to modify voluntary steps (step placement and trajectory), and PD subjects exhibit an increased dependence on vision and the activity of the dPMC to execute voluntary steps.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31NS048800-03
Application #
7038981
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F01 (20))
Program Officer
Oliver, Eugene J
Project Start
2004-03-19
Project End
2006-11-17
Budget Start
2006-03-19
Budget End
2006-11-17
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$34,429
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
Oregon Health and Science University
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
096997515
City
Portland
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97239