Long-Term Stability of Spatial Distribution and Peak Dynamics of Subthalamic Beta Power in Parkinson's Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND

Subthalamic beta oscillations are a biomarker for bradykinesia and rigidity in Parkinson's disease (PD), incorporated as a feedback signal in adaptive deep brain stimulation with potential for guiding electrode contact selection. Understanding their longitudinal stability is essential for successful clinical implementation.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to analyze the long-term dynamics of beta peak parameters and beta power distribution along electrodes.

METHODS

We recorded local field potentials from 12 channels per hemisphere of 33 PD patients at rest, in a therapy-off state at two to four sessions (0, 3, 12, 18-44 months) post-surgery. We analyzed bipolar beta power (13-35 Hz) and estimated monopolar beta power in subgroups with consistent recordings.

RESULTS

During the initial 3 months, beta peak power increased (P < 0.0001). While detection of high-beta peaks was more consistent, low- and high-beta peak frequencies shifted substantially in some hemispheres during all periods. Spatial distribution of beta power correlated over time. Maximal beta power across segmented contact levels and directions was significantly stable compared with chance and increased in stability over time. Active contacts for therapeutic stimulation showed consistently higher normalized beta power than inactive contacts (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that beta power is a stable chronic biomarker usable for beta-guided programming. For adaptive stimulation, high-beta peaks might be more reliable over time. Greater stability of beta power, center frequency, and spatial distribution beyond an initial stabilization period suggests that the microlesional effect significantly impacts neuronal oscillations, which should be considered in routine clinical practice when using beta activity for automated programming algorithms. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.