Dr Ann-Maree Vallence | Plasticity and functional connectivity in the human motor cortex

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) can induce plasticity in the human cortex. While there is great potential for these protocols to be used therapeutically in a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, clinical applicability is currently limited by high response variability. Ann-Maree’s research has focused on understanding plasticity in the human motor cortex; specifically, understanding factors that influence plasticity induction in the human motor cortex and optimising brain stimulation protocols for non-invasive plasticity induction in the human cortex. In addition, Ann-Maree’s current research aims to: (i) characterise age-related changes in functional connectivity in the cortical motor network, (ii) identify relationships between functional connectivity changes and voluntary motor control.