Cognitive-Motor Conflict During Step Initiation: Neural and Biomechanical Insights Into Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease.

ABSTRACT: Freezing of gait (FoG) is a disabling motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD) characterized by brief episodes of inability to step, often triggered by cognitive-motor conflict. Step initiation (SI) involves anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs), which are critical for balance and movement preparation. This study aimed to investigate the neural and biomechanical correlates of FoG during SI under congruent and incongruent conditions, focusing on the supplementary motor area (SMA) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), regions associated with motor preparation and inhibitory control. Thirty-three individuals with PD (15 with FoG and 18 without FoG) performed a stepping initiation task under two conditions: congruent (aligned visual cues) and incongruent (conflicting visual cues). AP

SUBMITTER: Fukuchi CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12717527 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature