NCT04061135 · University of Alabama at Birmingham
Neurophysiological, Behavioral, and Cognitive Networks in Movement Disorders
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to investigate the brain activity associated with motor and non-motor symptoms of movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor. These movement disorders commonly have significant non-motor features, such as depression, cognitive and memory impairment, decreased attention, speech and language disturbances, and slower processing speeds.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to investigate the brain activity associated with motor and non-motor symptoms of movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor. These movement disorders commonly have significant non-motor features, such as depression, cognitive and memory impairment, decreased attention, speech and language disturbances, and slower processing speeds. The investigators are interested in the brain activity associated with these motor and non-motor symptoms, and propose to investigate changes in brain activity while the investigators perform recordings of the surface and deep structures of the brain, in addition to the typical recordings the investigators perform, during routine deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Response Inhibition and Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's disease
After creation of the burr hole and prior to DBS electrode placement, 1-2 subdural strip electrodes will be placed anteriorly or posteriorly from the cranial opening. These electrodes are routinely placed using this technique for seizure mapping, with arrays of electrodes (up to 6) being placed around the perimeter of the opening.14 Subdural strips vary in length and contact size (e.g., the 6-contact Ad-Tech strip), and are currently placed predominantly for studies of sensorimotor function,13 including at our institution (IRB-140327003). Placement over prefrontal areas is performed at other institutions.11-13 The DBS surgery will then proceed according to routine practice, and following lead placement in the optimal desired location, the research task paradigm will begin.
Primary outcome measures
Accuracy via Simon Task (% correct)
Time frame: Baseline
In the Simon task, participants are instructed to respond with a right or left button press (Right = Red, Left = Blue) according to how a word is printed on a screen ("RED" or "BLUE"), regardless of the color in which the word is printed. This is a measurement of accuracy (% correct, ranging from 0-100, with higher scores indicating better performance)
Response times via Simon Task (sec)
Time frame: Baseline
In the Simon task, participants are instructed to respond with a right or left button press according to the word "RIGHT" or "LEFT" that appears on a screen, regardless of where on the screen it actually appears. This is a measurement response times (continuous measure, from 0-4000 milliseconds) between correct and incorrect responses.
Simon Effect on Response times (sec)
Time frame: Baseline
Participants will perform the Simon task as described, and the Simon effect will be calculated as the difference in response times between congruent and incongruent trials
Simon Effect on Accuracy (% correct)
Time frame: Baseline
Participants will perform the Simon task as described, and the Simon effect will be calculated as the difference in accuracy between congruent and incongruent trials
UPDRS 3 motor score (0-108)
Time frame: Baseline
Participants will undergo motor evaluation using the validated United Parkinson's disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part 3
Dementia Rating Scale Score (0-144 points)
Time frame: Baseline
Participants will undergo neuropsychological testing as part of routine care, including the Dementia Rating Scale
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Eligible for DBS surgery based on multi-disciplinary consensus review
- Have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or Essential Tremor
- A minimum of 18 years of age
- Willingness to participate in the paradigms described in the protocol
Exclusion criteria
- Inability to provide full and informed consent
- Are not surgical candidates due to co-morbid conditions or pregnancy
- Have not undergone an adequate trial of conservative medical management
- Have a clinical presentation for which DBS surgery is not indicated
- Are not able to participate in study-related activities
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations