Deviant Neural States
Effects of TMS on Brain Plasticity - Anastasiia Asmolova
Anastasiia Asmolova
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is widely used for neuromodulation in both research and clinical settings. We are investigating the immediate and long-lasting effects of a single modulatory TMS session in healthy volunteers. We are looking into structural and functional plasticity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including resting-state functional MRI, voxel-based morphometry, and diffusion-weighted imaging. Our goal is to better understand the potential underlying plasticity mechanisms that may ultimately inform clinical applications of enhancing brain plasticity with TMS.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is widely used for neuromodulation in both research and clinical settings. We are investigating the immediate and long-lasting effects of a single modulatory TMS session in healthy volunteers. We are looking into structural and functional plasticity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including resting-state functional MRI, voxel-based morphometry, and diffusion-weighted imaging. Our goal is to better understand the potential underlying plasticity mechanisms that may ultimately inform clinical applications of enhancing brain plasticity with TMS.
Neuromodulation via Brain-Computer Interface and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and its Potential for Aiding Rehabilitation in Stroke Survivors - Aimee Arely Flores-Sandoval
Aimee Arely Flores-Sandoval
Investigation of a new stroke therapy
The neurotech stroke clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06116942) explores whether an innovative technology-based approach can help individuals who have had a stroke and can no longer move their hands with ease. Our approach consists of a combination of two technologies: repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). The former entails the application of magnetic fields over the head to increase the excitability of motor cortices, whereas the latter consists of a subject-tailored neurofeedback training to bias the motor system towards adaptive plasticity.
Investigation of a new stroke therapy
The neurotech stroke clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06116942) explores whether an innovative technology-based approach can help individuals who have had a stroke and can no longer move their hands with ease. Our approach consists of a combination of two technologies: repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). The former entails the application of magnetic fields over the head to increase the excitability of motor cortices, whereas the latter consists of a subject-tailored neurofeedback training to bias the motor system towards adaptive plasticity.
Spectral Properties of Resting State EEG in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation - Thomas Loesche
Thomas Loesche
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias in the general population. Its high prevalence, along with its distinct oscillatory properties, offers a valuable opportunity to explore the mechanisms underlying heart–brain interactions. This project aims to investigate these interoceptive processes by analyzing and comparing the aperiodic components of EEG and ECG spectra, providing new insights into how the brain perceives and responds to cardiac rhythms.
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias in the general population. Its high prevalence, along with its distinct oscillatory properties, offers a valuable opportunity to explore the mechanisms underlying heart–brain interactions. This project aims to investigate these interoceptive processes by analyzing and comparing the aperiodic components of EEG and ECG spectra, providing new insights into how the brain perceives and responds to cardiac rhythms.
Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Action Observation and Motor Imagery - Emma Nesbit
Emma Nesbit
Action observation combined with motor imagery (AOMI) paradigms, wherein participants mentally rehearse observed motor sequences, modulate corticospinal excitability and activate distributed sensorimotor networks, including primary motor cortex (M1), premotor areas, and posterior parietal regions, without eliciting detectable peripheral motor output. The neuroplasticity-inducing approach of AOMI holds significant translational potential for optimising neurorehabilitation interventions, particularly in post-stroke motor recovery, and for enhancing motor skill consolidation in athletic performance contexts and fine motor learning paradigms. My doctoral research encompasses two synergistic objectives:
1) Understanding the neurophysiological substrates of motor imagery: I aim to delineate the mechanistic basis of imagery-induced cortical plasticity, particularly when coupled with action observation or multimodal sensory integration, through electroencephalography (EEG) and kinematic assessments using a Kinarm robotic exoskeleton system.
2) Developing evidence-based therapeutic paradigms: Leveraging these foundational neurophysiological findings, I wish to contribute to developing optimised AOMI protocols to maximise motor recovery in (post-stroke) patients and/or enhance skill acquisition in healthy individuals.
Action observation combined with motor imagery (AOMI) paradigms, wherein participants mentally rehearse observed motor sequences, modulate corticospinal excitability and activate distributed sensorimotor networks, including primary motor cortex (M1), premotor areas, and posterior parietal regions, without eliciting detectable peripheral motor output. The neuroplasticity-inducing approach of AOMI holds significant translational potential for optimising neurorehabilitation interventions, particularly in post-stroke motor recovery, and for enhancing motor skill consolidation in athletic performance contexts and fine motor learning paradigms. My doctoral research encompasses two synergistic objectives:
1) Understanding the neurophysiological substrates of motor imagery: I aim to delineate the mechanistic basis of imagery-induced cortical plasticity, particularly when coupled with action observation or multimodal sensory integration, through electroencephalography (EEG) and kinematic assessments using a Kinarm robotic exoskeleton system.
2) Developing evidence-based therapeutic paradigms: Leveraging these foundational neurophysiological findings, I wish to contribute to developing optimised AOMI protocols to maximise motor recovery in (post-stroke) patients and/or enhance skill acquisition in healthy individuals.
Structural and Functional Correlates of Oscillatory Dynamics in the Sensorimotor System - Kamil Kilic
Kamil Kilic
Beta oscillations (~13–30 Hz) are crucial for sensorimotor and cognitive processes, yet their exact functional role remains debated. In this project I will investigate beta bursts features in sensorimotor system. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and ultra-high-field 7T MRI, I will explore how distinct beta burst types relate to functional roles and how burst features correlate with cortical myelination content. This will improve our understanding of beta bursts and their potential as biomarkers for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
Beta oscillations (~13–30 Hz) are crucial for sensorimotor and cognitive processes, yet their exact functional role remains debated. In this project I will investigate beta bursts features in sensorimotor system. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and ultra-high-field 7T MRI, I will explore how distinct beta burst types relate to functional roles and how burst features correlate with cortical myelination content. This will improve our understanding of beta bursts and their potential as biomarkers for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.