Bereitschaftspotential augmentation by neuro-feedback training in Parkinson's disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Electrophysiology
• Movement Disorders

Background:

• Decreased early Bereitschaftspotential (BP) is a hallmark electrophysiological characteristic in Parkinson's disease (PD).
• Understanding the potential for neurophysiological intervention in PD is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
• Slow cortical potentials (SCPs) play a role in motor preparation and control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if Parkinson's disease patients can increase their early Bereitschaftspotential (BP) amplitude through neurofeedback (NFB) training targeting slow cortical potentials (SCPs).
• To assess the efficacy of voluntary regulation of SCPs in enhancing BP in PD patients and age-matched controls.

Main Methods:

• The study included 10 PD patients and 11 age-matched controls.
• BP was measured during self-paced button presses, with participants instructed to generate negative SCPs (negativation) via NFB.
• A one-day session involved initial BP measurement, NFB training, and a second BP measurement, repeated over 2-4 days.

Main Results:

• Participants with good NFB performance showed an increase in early BP amplitude from the first to the second recording.
• Conversely, individuals with poor NFB performance exhibited a decrease in early BP amplitude.
• These effects were observed in both Parkinson's disease patients and control groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Effective neurofeedback training for negativation can enhance the excitatory field potentials of pyramidal cells, leading to increased early BP.
• Voluntary regulation of slow cortical potentials demonstrates potential for enhancing Bereitschaftspotential in both Parkinson's disease patients and aged individuals.
• This suggests NFB training as a viable method for improving neurophysiological function related to motor control in PD.