Between-sessions test-retest reliability of prefrontal cortical activity during usual walking in patients with Parkinson's Disease: A fNIRS study.

Background: Examining between-sessions test-retest reliability of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data is crucial to better interpret rehabilitation-related changes in the hemodynamic response.

Research Question: This study investigated test-retest reliability of prefrontal activity during usual walking in 14 patients with Parkinson's Disease with a fixed retest intervals of five weeks.

Methods: Fourteen patients performed usual walking in two sessions (T0 and T1).

Left and Right Cortical Activity Arising from Preferred Walking Speed in Older Adults.

Cortical activity and walking speed are known to decline with age and can lead to an increased risk of falls in the elderly. Despite age being a known contributor to this decline, individuals age at different rates. This study aimed to analyse left and right cortical activity changes in elderly adults regarding their walking speed.

Increased prefrontal activity during usual walking in aging.

Executive functions are important for successful accomplishment of walking tasks, particularly during a dual task. Over the past few years, several studies investigated prefrontal cortex activity under different walking conditions in older adults with functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). However, little is known about changes in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activity during walking in the early stages of aging.

An intensive exercise-based training program reduces prefrontal activity during usual walking in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) leads to a progressive loss of locomotor automaticity. Consequently, PD patients rely more on executive resources for the control of gait, resulting in increased prefrontal activity while walking. Exercise-based training programs may improve automaticity of walking and reduce prefrontal activity in this population.

Changes in Prefrontal Cortical Activity During Walking and Cognitive Functions Among Patients With Parkinson's Disease.

Walking becomes more and more degraded as Parkinson's Disease (PD) progresses. Previous research examined factors contributing to this deterioration. Among them, changes in brain cortical activity during walking have been less studied in this clinical population.