Reduced pre-movement subthalamic beta desynchronization marks motor deficit in Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Abnormal beta-band (13–30 Hz) oscillations in the subthalamic nucleus are a well-established biomarker of motor dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. While most prior work has focused on beta activity during rest or sustained movement, far less is known about its transient dynamics during movement preparation—a critical phase in which suppression of beta-band activity (beta desynchronization) is thought to facilitate motor circuit readiness. Here, we delineate subthalamic beta-band activity specifically in the pre-movement initiation window across diverse motor tasks and demonstrate its association with both clinical motor impairment severity and subsequent movement acceleration.

We recorded subthalamic nucleus local field potentials and kinematics in sixteen individuals with Parkinson’s disease (10 males, 6 females; mean age 57.9 ± 10.5 years) implanted with sensing deep brain stimulation systems (Medtronic Activa® PC+S). While off medication and stimulation, participants performed cued motor tasks, including sit-to-stand, stand-to-walk, and wrist flexion-extension. Pre-movement beta desynchronization, quantified as beta power normalized to resting baseline, was extracted and analyzed using linear mixed-effects models to determine its relationship with clinical impairment severity and movement acceleration.

Across all tasks, we observed robust pre-movement beta desynchronization in the subthalamic nucleus (p < 0.001). Critically, reduced desynchronization was associated with greater motor impairment, particularly bradykinesia (p < 0.001). This association appeared stronger during the more complex stand-to-walk task and was linked to reduced movement acceleration, as measured by acceleration indices (p < 0.05).

A strong link between greater pre-movement beta desynchronization, less severe bradykinesia, and more vigorous movement suggests that impaired beta modulation reflects disruptions in motor planning, delayed recruitment of motor networks, and excessive basal ganglia inhibition. These circuit-level abnormalities likely contribute to the difficulties individuals with Parkinson’s disease face in initiating and executing movements, offering valuable insight into the neurophysiological basis of motor dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease.