Vibrotactile Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

Vibrotactile Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

Investigation on whether and how vibrotactile stimulation applied on the fingertips affects beta power in the subthalamic nucleus.

With a randomized order, two stimulation patterns are applied for one hour each on the fingertips of Parkinson's patients with deep brain stimulation, while periodically recording from subthalamic nucleus (STN) local field potentials (LFPs). The randomized vibrotactile stimulation (RVS) power is expected to reduce neuronal synchronization and LFP beta power. The All-on stimulation pattern is not expected to reduce neuronal synchronization and LFP beta power.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The population to be enrolled will be between 18 and 85 years of
• Have a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease, determined by a movement disorders neurologist at the CU Movement Disorders Center
• Has undergone deep brain stimulation surgery at the University of Colorado hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

• have severe sensory abnormalities of the fingertips such as vibratory urticaria
• Patients that cannot clearly communicate with staff and speak English
• Patients that are on psychoactive or narcoleptic medications, medications that affect brain function or alter EEG recorded activity (i.e., anticonvulsants, ADHD, depression, or anxiety medication)
• Participation in another drug, device, biologic, or intervention trial concurrently or within the preceding 30 days.