Objective: To analyze the effect of freezing of gait (FoG) on the hemodynamic responses of the supplementary motor area (SMA) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during the cognitive-motor conflict in step initiation in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Background: It is not yet known exactly which neural substrates are actually involved in CM. The lack of a deeper understanding of the brain regions involved in cognitive-motor processing during ecological activities such as taking a step makes interpretation difficult and, consequently, the development of more effective treatments.

Method: Ten volunteers diagnosed with idiopathic PD (5 with FoG) performed a step-initiation task based on the Flanker task. The hemodynamic responses of the SMA and DLPFC were assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during a step initiation task under cognitive-motor conflict to select the foot to step (congruent – CON and incongruent – INC conditions). A non-parametric test was performed comparing groups (freezers x nonfreezers) for each task condition.

Results: Analysis of the deoxy-Hb level showed a difference in SMA between the groups (Z = 2.02, p = 0.043), but not in DLPFC in INC condition.

Conclusion: Our results show an altered AMS activity in patients who present with FOG. Patients with PD show a gradual increase in SMA degeneration, as well as low-amplitude postural adjustments before voluntary stepping. Our results would open new alternatives to investigate and treat gait initiation impairments as it occurs in people who suffer of PD and FoG.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/effect-of-freezing-of-gait-on-the-neural-activity-during-the-cognitive-motor-conflict-in-step-initiation-in-individuals-with-parkinsons-disease-a-case-study/