Neural Mechanisms Associated With Recovery Of Function Following Motor Cortical Lesions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,415.00
Summary
Damage to movement control areas in the brain early in life (e.g. cerebral palsy) or in adulthood (e.g. stroke, tumours) results in motor weakness and loss of skill; over a period of many months there is gradual recovery of function. The neural mechanisms that are associated with functional reorganization of the brain and motor recovery are not well understood. This project plans to use animal experiments to identify the location of regions in the brain that undergo neural reorganization and com ....Damage to movement control areas in the brain early in life (e.g. cerebral palsy) or in adulthood (e.g. stroke, tumours) results in motor weakness and loss of skill; over a period of many months there is gradual recovery of function. The neural mechanisms that are associated with functional reorganization of the brain and motor recovery are not well understood. This project plans to use animal experiments to identify the location of regions in the brain that undergo neural reorganization and compensate for lost function. Following brain lesions detailed mapping of the motor areas of the brain and a careful study of movement disabilities will be performed. The study will attempt to identify changes in motor maps that indicate neural reorganization and relate these changes to motor recovery. The results of this study will be used in future projects to test training programs, drugs and neural prosthesis on neural reorganization and recovery of function. Eventually the information may be used to direct pharmacological and physiotherapeutic interventions, and motor rehabilitation programs for optimal recovery of function.Read moreRead less
The Efficacy Of Novel, Non-robotic Devices To Train Reaching Post Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$491,605.00
Summary
Up to 50% of stroke survivors are left with upper limb disability that limits their daily activities and their paralysis is so severe that it excludes them from training with the most effective methods. This study is a clinical trial of innovative new techniques to assist people with severe upper limb paralysis to reach following stroke. Positive results are likely to reduce disability in a large number of stroke survivors and has the potential to be used by other patients with paralysis.