Combining Music and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation to Improve Gait in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, often leading to slower walking, difficulty maintaining rhythm, and increased risk of falls. This project investigates whether combining two approaches—transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, and rhythmic auditory stimulation using music—can help improve walking in individuals with PD. The study is divided into two phases. In the first phase, we will examine the immediate effects of a single session of tDCS over the supplementary motor area (a brain region involved in planning movement) combined with beat-based music while walking. In the second phase, we will explore whether multiple sessions of this combined stimulation lead to longer-lasting improvements in gait. By comparing outcomes from individuals with PD and healthy older adults, we aim to better understand the specific benefits of this intervention. The results may support the development of accessible, low-cost strategies to improve mobility and quality of life in people living with Parkinson’s disease, while also enhancing our understanding of how rhythmic and brain-based interventions influence motor control.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jessica Grahn

Student:

Partner:

Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: