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.
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.
Pathologies Of Action Control: Amygdala-striatal Interactions And The Development Of Habits.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,867.00
Summary
Changes in basal ganglia function, whether produced by neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, injury or disease, can produce pathological changes in action control. This proposal will assess the role of amygdala afferents on basal ganglia structures, most notably the dorsal striatum, in this process. Using an animal model we will compare the role of central and basolateral amygdala inputs to striatum in decision-making, choice and the transition of actions to reflexive, habitual responses.
Volitional And Non-volitional Control Of Human Balance: Normal Physiology And Changes With Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$383,066.00
Summary
How does the brain control balance when we stand? Our research shows that two very distinct processes operate to produce distinct postural, perceptual and cardiovascular outcomes. These experiments investigate the neurophysiology that coordinates these systems and what happens with age. The results will fundamentally change views on balance control. Balance problems are common in neurological disorders and old age. Knowing how balance works will improve diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Motor Functioning In Young People With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – Combined Type: A Three-dimensional Motion Analysis Study.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$477,065.00
Summary
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder –combined type (ADHD-CT) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with a progressively devastating impact on psychosocial development. The first objective of this study is to use 3D-motion analysis to ‘probe’ the underlying brain dysfunction which characterises ADHD-CT. The second objective of this study is to improve our understanding of the link between movement problems, and (a) injury proneness, and (b) social-communicative problems, in children with AD ....Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder –combined type (ADHD-CT) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with a progressively devastating impact on psychosocial development. The first objective of this study is to use 3D-motion analysis to ‘probe’ the underlying brain dysfunction which characterises ADHD-CT. The second objective of this study is to improve our understanding of the link between movement problems, and (a) injury proneness, and (b) social-communicative problems, in children with ADHD-CT.Read moreRead less
Clarifying The Clinical Application And Mechanisms Of Pedunculopontine Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation For Parkinson’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$202,320.00
Summary
Over 64,000 Australians have Parkinson’s disease. Most patients with Parkinson’s disease ultimately develop gait ‘freezing’ and poor balance, which impair quality of life and cause falls. Unfortunately, gait freezing and poor balance often don’t improve with conventional treatments. We are therefore helping to develop a new treatment for these symptoms, which involves implanting a pacemaker into a very deep region in the brain called the “Pedunculopontine Nucleus’.
Harnessing Neuroplasticity To Improve Motor Performance In Infants With Cerebral Palsy: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,736,349.00
Summary
Every 15 hours an Australian baby is born with cerebral palsy. Despite confidence in early intervention, 50% don't receive intervention before their first birthday while awaiting diagnosis, and 8 of 10 previous trials have not produced any physical gains over and above natural development. We have promising data about a new brain training intervention that harnesses neuroplasticity and improves movement. Our trial will treat 300 infants with early training comparing results to Standard Care.
Biomechanical, Neural And Sensory Phenotyping Of The Upper Airway In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$746,138.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder where the upper airway closes repeatedly during sleep. It results in daytime sleepiness, increased risk of accidents and cardiovascular disease. But not all patients are the same, and individually tailored treatments are needed. This project will develop new ways to identify the causes of OSA in individual patients, using new MRI imaging methods, sensory testing, and measurements of the neural activity in the muscles that keep the airway open.