By: Grace Huff
Hikaru Kamo, MD, PhD, a research fellow at the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, is helping to change the way we understand and treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. In his time at Fixel, three of his research papers were published, each one offering new insights into how to better care for people living with these complex conditions.
In one study published in Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, Kamo and his team made a groundbreaking discovery in a brain region called the globus pallidus internus (GPi). For the first time, they recorded a special type of brainwave pattern, called finely-tuned gamma (FTG) oscillations, in a person with Parkinson’s disease. These brainwaves only appeared when the patient was on medication and were influenced by how their brain stimulation therapy (DBS) was set. This discovery could help scientists develop new ways to track and treat symptoms in real time.
In another study published in Frontiers in Neurology, Kamo explored how wearable technology could make Parkinson’s rehabilitation more effective. His team used smart sensors to track vital signs and movement during personalized exercise sessions for older adults. The data helped visualize how different rehab activities affected each person. This kind of measurement could lead to more tailored treatment plans and better outcomes for people with Parkinson’s and related diseases.
Most recently, in a paper published in Frontiers in Neurology, Kamo and colleagues reviewed the growing evidence for rehabilitation-based therapies in managing dystonia, a movement disorder that causes involuntary, patterned movements and abnormal postures. The review highlights how physical therapy, biofeedback, sensory retraining, and other approaches, especially when paired with standard treatments like botulinum toxin injections, can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. The authors emphasized the importance of individualized therapy plans and home-based exercises to sustain progress over time.
“At the Fixel Institute, we aim to turn scientific discoveries into meaningful changes in care. These studies reflect our commitment to exploring new frontiers, from brainwave patterns to wearable technology, in hopes of improving quality of life for people living with movement disorders,” said Kamo.
Kamo’s work at the Fixel Institute continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in brain health and neurological care, locally and around the world.