Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

ONGOING RESEARCH:

Our current studies focus on developing brain stimulation therapies to aid in the recovery of function after stroke and spinal cord injury, as well as the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome.

Combining brain stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation to improve upper extremity function after severe stroke
This project will determine whether the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) enhances post-stroke motor recovery when applied before intensive upper extremity motor training on a robot-assisted device (InMotion2). We will use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to measure cortical reorganization and standardized tests of motor performance to measure upper extremity motor function before and after intervention.

Enhancement of post-stroke neural plasticity by transcranial direct current stimulation
The goal of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) coupled with intensive task-oriented therapy to promote functional motor recovery in patients with chronic stroke who have severe motor deficits. In addition to measures of motor performance, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) motor maps will be acquired before and after intervention to evaluate cortical reorganization.

Modulating pain in complex regional pain syndrome with transcranial direct current stimulation
The goal of this project is to determine whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be used to decrease pain and related symptoms in people with complex regional pain syndrome.

Sensory-driven motor recovery in poorly recovered subacute stroke patients
This study is being conducted to determine whether motor training combined with peripheral nerve stimulation will improve recovery from stroke more than motor training alone. In addition to measures of motor performance, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) motor maps will be acquired before and after intervention to evaluate cortical reorganization.

Driving neuroplasticity and gait recovery with transcranial direct current stimulation in incomplete spinal cord injury
This project will determine whether the combination of tDCS and robot-assisted treadmill training improves motor function more than training alone following spinal cord injury. We will administer motor performance evaluations, such as measurement of walking speed, before and after intervention to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. We will also administer image-guided TMS to evaluate how the brain has changed in response to the intervention.

For information on participating in any of these studies please contact Cheryl Carrico.