Models Of Cerebellar Function During Motor Learning
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,775.00
Summary
The cerebellum is responsible for smooth movements and for learning new patterns of motions, but many details of how it works are unclear. We aim to describe neural activity in the cerebellum while motor learning is in progress, and determine exactly what patterns of activity lead to the acquisition of new types of learned movement. The basic knowledge gained will contribute to a better understanding of cerebellar disorders including nystagmus, ataxia, and loss of motor control with ageing.
High-resolution Brain Imaging Of Basal Ganglia Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,083.00
Summary
This project will develop new methods for high resolution MRI imaging of the human brain. We will assess functions of deep brain areas known as the basal ganglia that play a critical role in movement planning and co-ordination. Dysfunction within the basal ganglia is responsible for the motor impairments seen in people with Parkinson’s disease. In this project, we will examine changes in basal ganglia function and structure that lead to individual differences in movement control and learning.
Infant Motor Development Between 0-4 Months: A New Look At The Effect Of The ‘back To Sleep’ Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,182.00
Summary
An unexpected consequence of the Back to Sleep program is an increased incidence of deformational plagiocephaly (DP), or “flat head syndrome”, and concern about delayed development. It is not clear whether the current recommendation to provide ‘tummy-time’ play for infants when awake is the best way to prevent DP. Development of typical infants 0-4 months and infants with DP will be investigated and parents surveyed as a basis for development and trialling of a new DP prevention initiative.
Mimicking Slow Wave Sleep To Enhance Plasticity In The Elderly Human Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,461.00
Summary
Cognitive and motor impairments associated with ageing have a major social and economic impact. This project will address a major driver of this decline. Brain functional decline is causally linked to poor sleep. Using non-invasive brain stimulation aspects of sleep important for maintaining cognitive and motor function will be mimicked, without the need for people to sleep. This will provide a new means to boost plasticity, and will assist in improving brain health throughout life.
The Mechanisms Of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Translational Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,263.00
Summary
Non-invasive brain stimulation is increasingly being used as a possible therapeutic intervention. The physiological mechanisms underlying the behavioural change are largely unknown. The project will use both human and rodent models to determine the structural brain changes that occur in response to non-invasive stimulation.
Neurochemical And Metabolomic Studies Of The Cortical GABAergic System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$282,559.00
Summary
This work will use targeted neuropharmacology, systems analysis and multivariate statistics to provide a unique perspective on detailed aspects of the organization and function of the GABAergic system in the brain, as well as the mode of action of the drug of abuse GHB. This will have broad benefits for a wide range of disorders, including sleep disorders, pain and epilepsy as well as providing clearer targets for drug development.
Hand Splinting And Motor Training In Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$80,952.00
Summary
As many as 1 in 500 children have cerebral palsy or a brain injury. 1 in 3 cannot walk, 1 in 4 cannot talk, 3 in 4 are in pain. These conditions impact on a child's ability to use their hands to touch, play, draw and explore. Hand use is the single most important factor for determining a child's long term independence into adulthood. This project explores the most effective treatment approach to enable children to use their hands to reach the goals they want to achieve and live meaningful lives.