Walking and Thinking - Brain Activity During Complex Walking in Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how aging and neurological diseases like atypical Parkinson's disease (APD) affect the brain's control of complex walking tasks that require both movement and thinking skills. This observational study aims to understand the brain function behind difficulties in motor-cognitive performance during real-life walking activities. The goal is to find better ways to assess and address these challenges in older adults and people with APD, focusing on how brain activity relates to walking while multitasking or navigating. Participants will undergo non-invasive brain monitoring using functional near infrared spectrometry (fNIRS) while performing three types of complex walking tasks: walking while doing an auditory Stroop dual-task, navigating a course with sharp turns, and a combined navigation and dual-task walking. Alongside brain activity, detailed gait analysis will be done in real time to measure walking performance under these conditions. The study includes people diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy or Multiple System Atrophy, two forms of APD. During the study, participants will complete various assessments including cognitive tests (such as verbal fluency and attention), physical activity tracking, motor function evaluation, balance tests, and questionnaires about anxiety, depression, and disability. The main measurements are brain activity, walking ability, and reaction time during dual-task walking. These evaluations will help researchers understand how brain and motor performance are linked, potentially guiding future rehabilitation strategies. Participants can expect detailed monitoring during walking tasks and comprehensive assessments at baseline.

Brain Activity During Complex Walking in People With Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes