APA and PAS Training for Gait Initiation in Parkinson's Disease

Our research focused on understanding the interplay between brain excitability and balance function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), alongside evaluating effective physical therapy methods. It highlights the prevalence of non-motor disorders and cognitive impairments among PD patients, including balance and postural issues, cognitive function decline, and gait instability. Additionally, it notes that PD patients exhibit abnormal electrophysiological responses, indicating altered central excitability.

Research on Brain Excitability and Balance Function Performance in Patients with Parkinson's Disease and Related Physical Therapy Methods Research indicates that non-motor disorders and cognitive impairments are prevalent in most patients with Parkinson's disease. These include balance issues, postural instability, impaired cognitive functions like working memory and executive functions, and gait instability. Additionally, electrophysiological phenomena in Parkinson's disease patients reveal abnormal central excitatory and inhibitory responses compared to healthy individuals. This experiment seeks to investigate the link between motor performance and brain excitability in patients with Parkinson's disease. Previous studies suggest that associative electrical stimulation, used to regulate sensorimotor information integration, can enhance brain excitability in both healthy individuals and those with Parkinson's disease. However, the optimal parameters for this stimulation remain uncertain. Furthermore, balance exercise training can improve motor performance in Parkinson's disease patients. This study aims to determine if various designs of associative electrical stimulation parameters can help these patients achieve optimal brain excitability regulation. The combined approach of this stimulation and balance exercise training aims to maintain and improve the patients' functional performance, thereby enhancing the safety of their daily activities.