Study Of Motor Inhibition Deficits In Schizophrenia Using MRI, EventRelatedPotentialsand Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$261,687.00
Summary
The aim of the proposed project is to study the neural mechanism underlying failures of motor-inhibition in patients with schizophrenia. The project will involve the use of fMRI and ERP measures during performance of a Stop-Signal Task, in order to explore the neural substrates of task performance in healthy subjects, and activational differences in schizophrenia patients. In a separate experimental session TMS will be applied in order to disrupt neural processing at cortical sites identified by ....The aim of the proposed project is to study the neural mechanism underlying failures of motor-inhibition in patients with schizophrenia. The project will involve the use of fMRI and ERP measures during performance of a Stop-Signal Task, in order to explore the neural substrates of task performance in healthy subjects, and activational differences in schizophrenia patients. In a separate experimental session TMS will be applied in order to disrupt neural processing at cortical sites identified by fMRI. Systematic use of TMS across different cortical sites will be used to compare effects of cortical site and subject group on task performance.Read moreRead less
Characterising Post Stroke Neuroplasticity In Humans – Identifying A Critical Window For Rehabilitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,419.00
Summary
Despite major investment in care for stroke patients, almost all have persisting disability. Stroke causes loss of brain cells that cannot be replaced. Some recovery is possible through compensatory mechanisms. In addition, intact cells around the stroke undergo growth that is critical for recovery. Animal studies suggest these changes take place in a “critical window” after stroke. Applying therapies in this window should improve outcomes. We will use novel approaches to define the “critical wi ....Despite major investment in care for stroke patients, almost all have persisting disability. Stroke causes loss of brain cells that cannot be replaced. Some recovery is possible through compensatory mechanisms. In addition, intact cells around the stroke undergo growth that is critical for recovery. Animal studies suggest these changes take place in a “critical window” after stroke. Applying therapies in this window should improve outcomes. We will use novel approaches to define the “critical window” in patients after strokeRead moreRead less
I am a neurophysiologist who examines the neural control of movement and the interaction of sensation and movement in human subjects. I study cortical and motoneuronal events during exercise and muscle fatigue, how cortical connections to the motoneurones change with practice of motor tasks, and whether they can be changed artificially. I also study proprioception i.e. the sensations related to relative position and movement of parts of the body and the production of muscle force.
Mechanisms Underlying Impaired Neuroplasticity In Adolescents Born Preterm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$528,449.00
Summary
Preterm birth can lead to learning and motor deficits. We have preliminary evidence that these deficits last into adolescence and are due to a limited ability of the brain to reorganise (plasticity). We will confirm and characterise the learning/motor deficits seen in adolescents born preterm and explore if impaired plasticity is responsible. This project will provide vital information for the development of novel interventions to help children born prematurely to achieve best outcomes.
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.
Do Ongoing Cognitive Demands Affect The Efficacy Of Transcranial Electrical Brain Stimulation In Young And Older Healthy Adults?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,857.00
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the brain is widely used to enhance cognitive and motor function in healthy individuals and people with neurological disorders. Unfortunately, the efficacy of tDCS is highly variable between individuals. This project tests the hypothesis that ongoing cognitive processes – particularly attention – play an important role in regulating the effect of tDCS on brain function. The knowledge gained will help refine tDCS as a clinical and research tool.
Exploring The Neuropathophysiology Of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,939.00
Summary
There are currently no validated biomedical techniques for diagnosing or treating autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This project will use cutting-edge neuroscience techniques to better understand the neurobiology of ASD and how neurobiological impairments relate to specific symptoms. These results will promote a better understanding of the brain basis of ASD, and may provide realistic targets for the development of new biomedical methods for diagnosis and treatment.
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.
Characterising Motor Network Connectivity To Improve Application Of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation In Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Stroke is a major health issue and leading cause of disability. Improvements to rehabilitation would be beneficial for both patients and hospital services. Brain stimulation has shown capacity to improve function after stroke. At the moment the effects are highly variable an unable to assist rehabilitation. Strength and pattern of remaining brain connections may explain variable responses to brain stimulation. Tailoring stimulation based on brain function will improve rehabilitation outcomes.