PhD Study : Investigation of Neuroplasticity and individual response to Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation

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Summary

Neuroplasticity is the ability of our brains to remodel and reorganize itself. This is of great importance to all of us in our day to day lives, as it allows us to learn new skills, create memories and make connections between the brain and the rest of the body(Hallett, 2005).  Neuroplasticity changes can be measured and the response of neuroplasticity to different situations explored, using non-invasive brain stimulation such as Transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Non-invasive brain stimulation is being used to help us better understand the mechanisms of recovery in patients following stroke and acquired brain injury. These techniques such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or Transcranial direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) allow us to measure and potentially modulate changes in neuroplasticity in the brain. This technique allows the investigation of excitability changes in the brain that can help us better understand neuroplasticity (Dimyan & Cohen, 2011). This is of interest in a healthy population but is of particular importance when considering the important role neuroplasticity plays post brain damage such as stroke. The mechanisms of neuroplasticity are beginning to be better understood however there is a number of key questions that need to be investigated in a healthy population to enable better clarity on neuroplasticity prior to this being applied in a stroke population.

Required now is a greater understanding of how to translate these discoveries into real benefit for people with movement difficulty after stroke. These include increased awareness of individual differences in response to neuroplasticity enhancing brain stimulation (Wiethoff, Hamada & Rothwell, 2014; Uehara & Hanakawa, 2015). By gaining insight into the variation in response and neuroplasticity changes, this information can be used to refine neurorehabilitation techniques to ensure maximal recovery following stroke. Thus the research will have direct relevance to the real world provision of rehabilitation for people after stroke.

Objectives of the Research:

This project will enhance current knowledge by investigating the individual differences in the enhancement and measurement of neuroplasticity using non-invasive brain stimulation.

The use of non-invasive Brain Stimulation such as  Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or  Transcranial direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to investigate individual response to brain stimulation

The investigating, monitoring and controlling for key variables that may influence an individual’s response to non-invasive brain stimulation

Methods to be used:

This project will utilise the Cognitive Neuroscience lab on Coleraine Campus, Ulster University. Experimental neuroscience and psychology techniques will be used in this study, such as non-invasive measures of brain stimulation.  These will include measures of brain connectivity, muscle activity and cortical excitability measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Other techniques such a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and eye-tracking may also be incorporated. Full training will be provided on all experimental techniques.

Skills required of applicant:

Candidates should have at least an upper second class first degree in an area with relevance to the research area. This includes, but is not exclusive to: Psychology, Neuroscience, Health Science, Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy.

References:

Dimyan, M. A., & Cohen, L. G. (2011). Neuroplasticity in the context of motor rehabilitation after stroke. Nature Reviews Neurology, 7(2), 76.

Hallett, M. (2005). Neuroplasticity and rehabilitation. Journal of rehabilitation research and development, 42(4), R17.

Li, L. M., Uehara, K., & Hanakawa, T. (2015). The contribution of interindividual factors to variability of response in transcranial direct current stimulation studies. Frontiers in cellular neuroscience, 9, 181.

Wiethoff, S., Hamada, M., & Rothwell, J. C. (2014). Variability in response to transcranial direct current stimulation of the motor cortex. Brain stimulation, 7(3), 468-475.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Funding and eligibility

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 5 June 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
week commencing 22 June 2020

Preferred student start date
mid September 2020

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Niamh Kennedy