G.A.I.T.: Gait Analysis braIn acTivation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the diagnostic potential of brain activation patterns in characterising gait and balance disorders using optically pumped magnetometers-magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG)
IRAS ID
326694
Contact name
Nikos Evangelou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Aging and neurological disorders frequently affect mobility. While gait difficulties can affect patients
in different ways, they can sometimes be difficult to diagnose and as a result to treat.We would like to assess the feasibility of whether brain activation during walking could be used as a diagnostic
and predictive tool for patients with gait and balance disorders, when their clinical symptoms and
signs are not clear. Quick diagnosis of gait abnormalities could lead to quick referrals to receive
appropriate treatment. the study is still at the proof of concept stage and the use of the technology as a diagnostic and prognostic tool is still theoretical at this point. This system is currently gathering global reach, however, in order to deploy this system into clinical settings, we need to prove its clinical utility with this current research. No data gained will be used to direct participants clinical care in any way.Currently, the procedure for studying how the brain controls walking has major weaknesses.
Functional MRI (fMRI), the most commonly used technique to understand the function of the brain,
is not optimal given patients need to lie down in the MRI scanner. Electroencephalography (EEG) the current gold standard, also has disadvantages as it suffers from low spatial resolution. If we want to assess differences in brain activation during walking, we need to use techniques that can be employed while patients walk.Optically pumped magnetometers magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) is a new type of
functional brain scanner that has been pioneered in Nottingham. It consists of a helmet with a
number of sensors that can detect the magnetic fields of the brain caused by nerve cell activation
which are then produced in 3D images. This system offers high resolution images of brain
activation and sensitivity, unlike an MRI, even when moving. If we can demonstrate the role of
OPM-MEG at detecting differences in brain activation during different neurological gait disorders,
we can provide researchers and clinicians with a robust diagnostic and possibly prognostic tool.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EM/0184
Date of REC Opinion
2 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion