Balance and Parkinson’s: New Insights into Brain and Muscle Activity

Researchers at Emory University are shedding light on the complex interplay between brain and muscle activity during balance recovery, particularly in individuals with and without Parkinson’s disease. A new study, published in eNeuro, reveals that older adults and those with Parkinson’s exhibit heightened brain and muscle responses even during minor balance disturbances, potentially indicating a greater energy expenditure and reduced efficiency in maintaining stability.

How Balance Recovery Works

Previous research from Lena Ting’s lab at Emory University demonstrated a two-stage response to sudden balance challenges, such as a rug being pulled out from under a person. Initially, there’s an immediate, involuntary reaction from the brainstem and muscles. This is followed by a second wave of activity as the brain processes the disturbance and initiates a more deliberate corrective response. Emory University Neuromechanics Lab

Findings in Older Adults and Parkinson’s Patients

The recent study expanded on these findings by examining older adults, both with and without Parkinson’s disease. Researchers discovered that these populations displayed larger brain responses and increased muscle signals even when faced with compact balance challenges. This suggests that maintaining balance requires more cognitive effort and physical exertion in these groups. According to Lena Ting, “Balance recovery takes more energy and engagement from the brain in these populations. We found that, when people require more brain activity to balance, they have less robust ability to recover their balance.”

Muscle Stiffness and Balance Performance

The study also revealed a correlation between muscle stiffness and balance performance. When older adults activated muscles to regain their balance, opposing muscles tended to stiffen. The degree of this stiffness was linked to poorer balance control. This suggests that co-contraction, or the simultaneous activation of opposing muscle groups, may hinder effective balance recovery.

Potential Clinical Implications

The researchers believe their approach has significant clinical potential. The precise measurement of brain and muscle activity could provide a more accurate way to assess an individual’s risk of falling. Ting notes that further optimization is needed, but envisions a future where balance risk can be determined by assessing muscle activity in response to a simple balance perturbation, like a rug pull. This could help identify individuals who would benefit from targeted balance training and exercise programs. Medical Xpress

Research and Expertise at Emory

Lena Ting, an engineer and neuroscientist at Emory University, focuses on understanding the cooperation between the brain and body in movement. Her research extends to various conditions impacting mobility, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, aging, and cerebral palsy, with ongoing exploration into mild cognitive impairment and concussion. Her lab utilizes robotics, computation, and artificial intelligence to identify physiological principles that can personalize rehabilitation and medicine. Georgia Tech Research

Key Takeaways

• Older adults and individuals with Parkinson’s disease exhibit increased brain and muscle activity during balance recovery, even with minor disturbances.
• Muscle stiffness in opposing muscle groups is associated with poorer balance performance.
• A new method for assessing balance risk based on brain and muscle activity shows promise for identifying individuals who could benefit from balance training.

Source: Boebinger, S. E., et al. (2026). Cortically-mediated muscle responses to balance perturbations increase with perturbation magnitude in older adults with and without Parkinson’s disease. eNeuro. DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0423-25.2026