Learning-dependent structural plasticity in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease during complex balance training

Postural instability is a devastating symptom of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and is associated with a high risk of falling with subsequent injuries and disability. Physiotherapy and training is thought to ameliorate symptoms. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study we conducted a complex balance training in a group of PD patients (akinetic/rigid) (n=21) and healthy age- and sex-matched controls (n=16) over 6 consecutive weeks with one training day per week. In a longitudinal design we performed structural MRI scans (T1 and DTI) before, and after 2, 4 and 6 training weeks. On a be…