The effects of vagus nerve stimulation on intrinsic lower leg spinal motoneuron excitability in Parkinson's disease

This study is designed to better understand the mechanisms contributing to impaired activation of leg muscles in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and test if stimulation of a nerve at the neck (vagus nerve) can improve muscle activation, walking and balance. People can participate in one of two experiments, or both. Both experiments will test the muscle activation patterns in the lower leg when producing low levels of force. We will also assess walking and balance. Experiment 2 will test muscle activation patterns, walking and balance before and after vagus nerve stimulation. We are also asking people who don’t have PD and are 21 to 76 years old and match in age and sex to participants to undergo the same study procedures.