Balance Training Modulates Cortical Inhibition in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Parkinson's disease (PD) frequently causes balance dysfunction, linked to abnormal corticomotor changes.
• Cortical disinhibition is an early indicator of PD, correlating with motor symptom severity and disease progression.
• While balance training aids PD balance, its impact on cortical neuroplasticity remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effects of balance training on corticomotor excitability in individuals with PD.
• To assess if balance training influences neuroplasticity markers in the motor cortex of PD patients.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight PD participants were randomized into balance training (BT) or control (CON) groups for 8 weeks.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation measured corticomotor inhibition via cortical silent period (CSP) and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI).
• Balance was assessed using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BEST) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

Main Results:

• The BT group demonstrated significant increases in corticomotor inhibition (CSP, SICI) and improved balance (Mini-BEST, TUG).
• Compared to the CON group, the BT group exhibited greater enhancements in corticomotor inhibition and balance performance.
• Post-training, significant differences were observed between groups for CSP, SICI, and Mini-BEST scores.

Conclusions:

• Balance training effectively modulates corticomotor inhibition in the primary motor cortex of individuals with PD.
• Balance training leads to significant improvements in balance performance in the PD population.
• These findings suggest that balance training can induce neuroplastic changes in PD, improving both motor control and functional balance.