Brain imaging and stimulation for motor control and movement disorders

Recent advances in brain imaging and stimulation techniques have transformed our ability to investigate the complex circuitries governing voluntary movement, muscle coordination, and motor learning. As movement disorders—including Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, essential tremor, and ataxias—continue to affect millions worldwide, the need for innovative, interdisciplinary research has never been greater.

This Research Topic aims to highlight state-of-the-art developments at the intersection of neuroimaging, brain stimulation, and motor function. We seek contributions that embrace the diversity of methodologies available, including but not limited to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetoencephalography (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG), and cutting-edge brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Our scope spans basic and translational science.

We welcome original research, reviews, and commentary articles on a wide range of subjects, including:

Neural circuits of motor control

Discoveries of markers derived from neuroimaging that predict onset, progression, or response to therapy in movement disorders.

Investigations into how various brain stimulation modalities modulate motor circuits and improve clinical outcomes.

Explorations of structural, and functional factors that contribute to inter-individual differences in motor control and therapeutic response.

Plasticity and rehabilitation

Clinical trials or pilot studies applying imaging-guided stimulation protocols or validating novel imaging tools in patient populations.

Neuromodulation

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: motor control, movement disorder, neuromodulation, brain imaging

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.