NCT06692920 · University of Minnesota
Characterizing the Pathophysiological Role of the Pallido-thalamocortical Motor Pathway in Parkinson's Disease.
What this study is about
When a patient gets DBS surgery, the neurosurgeon makes a hole in the skull through which they can put the DBS lead down in deep parts of the brain that help control movement. For this study, research participants will also have an ECoG strip put through the same hole (no extra holes are being made for research purposes).
View original scientific description
When a patient gets DBS surgery, the neurosurgeon makes a hole in the skull through which they can put the DBS lead down in deep parts of the brain that help control movement. For this study, research participants will also have an ECoG strip put through the same hole (no extra holes are being made for research purposes). The ECoG strip is a little less than half an inch wide, and a little more than 2.5 inches long. It is very, very thin; it is a thin plastic film with flat metal sensors that can record the electrical activity in the brain. The ECoG strips are FDA approved. The neurosurgeon will slide the ECoG strip under the skull but on top of the brain, over another area of the brain that helps control hand/arm movement (motor cortex), so that the study team can record the activity there. The study team will record brain activity from the DBS lead and the ECoG strip simultaneously to try to understand how the brain communicates and sends information. The study team will check that the ECoG strip is in the right place by delivering a very small electrical pulse to the wrist. If the ECoG strip is in the correct location, this electrical pulse will show up on the brain activity being recorded by the sensors in the ECoG strip. Fluoroscopy (i.e. X-ray images that can be taken quickly) will also be done at the end of the surgery to help confirm the location of the ECoG strip. During fluoroscopy, an X-ray beam is used to track a contrast agent ("X-ray dye") through the body, so that the body can be seen in detail. This involves some radiation exposure for the participant, so this is described in the consent form. Patients who want to sign up for the study will not be allowed to do so if they have had other radiation exposures within the past year that would go over a safe limit when added to the amount of radiation expected from the fluoroscopy for this study.
Interventions
OTHER
DBS stimulation
* Standard of care DBS surgery * stimulation through the DBS lead during their DBS lead surgery, the study team will use 2 sets of stimulation settings on each participant: 1. Stimulation through the DBS contact whose electrical activity is the MOST similar to the area of the brain that controls movement 2. Stimulation through the DBS contact whose electrical activity is the LEAST similar to the area of the brain that controls movement
Primary outcome measures
amount of activity in the pallidothalamic pathway from stimulation, comparing the two sets of stimulation
Time frame: post-surgery (1 day)
The pallidothalamic pathway is what connects the two locations of the brain from which we are recording (GPi and motor cortex). We will also see how the two sets of stimulation made a difference in measurements of bradykinesia (slowness of movement): how long it took for the participant to get ready to move, how fast they started moving, and how long it took them to touch the startpad.
The relationship (slope) between the measures of bradykinesia and total pathway activation
Time frame: post-surgery (1 day)
will be estimated via a linear mixed-effects (LME) model that considers multiple subjects and multiple observations within subject
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
- Diagnosis of idiopathic PD
- DBS surgery at UMN is planned as part of routine clinical care
Exclusion criteria
- Other significant neurological disorder, which may confound neurophysiological changes associated with Parkinson's disease
- History of dementia
- Patients with post-operative complications or adverse effects (e.g. ON stimulation dystonias) that affect patient safety or confound the experiment will be excluded from further study
- Pregnant women
- Known research radiation exposure within the last year that is determined to be unsafe when compounded with the expected radiation dose from intraoperative fluoroscopy
Where
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
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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 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations