Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Freezing of Gait

A randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study with an intervening washout period of 1 week
will be performed to evaluate the effect of tDCS in conjunction with locomotor training (LT)
in patients with PD. Order of tDCS and sham-tDCS will be randomized across subjects. Subjects
with PD and FOG, will be randomly assigned to Group 1 (tDCS+LT - washout - sham-tDCS+LT) or
Group 2 (sham-tDCS+LT - washout - tDCS+LT), with each washout period lasting 1 week. During
each intervention session, subjects will receive the assigned tDCS ~or~ a sham-tDCS
stimulation concomitant with LT.

Kinematic data will be obtained using 3D motion capture as the subject walks along a 10-meter
path. We will use single pulse TMS to evaluate the excitability of lower leg motor cortex.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age 18- 80

2. Parkinson's disease stages 2-3 Hoehn and Yahr.

3. Presence of Freezing of Gait

4. Stable medication regimen

Exclusion Criteria:

1. medical condition that would interfere with walking and training for 30 minutes

2. unable to perform timed up and go in the off condition

3. history of seizures

4. implanted deep brain stimulator, pacemaker or any other electronic device.

5. dementia

6. Adults unable to consent, individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children,
teenagers) pregnant women, prisoners will not be considered for participation