Cerebellar iTBS enhances gait adaptation by modulating cortical sensorimotor network dynamics: a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Gait adaptation is crucial for maintaining stability during walking perturbations.
• The cerebellum plays a key role in sensory prediction error-based adaptation.
• The impact of cerebellar neuromodulation on cortical networks for gait adaptation is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavioral effects of cerebellar intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on gait adaptation.
• To explore the underlying cortical neurodynamic mechanisms of cerebellar iTBS in enhancing gait adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two healthy adults underwent either active or sham cerebellar iTBS.
• Participants performed a split-belt treadmill adaptation task.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-evoked electroencephalography (EEG) assessed cortical responsiveness in the primary motor cortex (M1); resting-state EEG analyzed spectral power and functional connectivity.

Main Results:

• Cerebellar iTBS significantly enhanced gait adaptation rate and early adaptation compared to sham.
• iTBS increased α and γ power in M1, with α power correlating with faster adaptation.
• iTBS strengthened parieto-motor cortex connectivity in β and γ bands, associated with improved adaptation rate.

Conclusions:

• Cerebellar iTBS facilitates gait adaptation by modulating cortical responsiveness and sensorimotor network connectivity.
• These findings provide neurodynamic evidence for cerebello-cortical modulation in gait adaptation.
• Targeted cerebellar neuromodulation shows potential for gait rehabilitation strategies.