The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on motor cortex excitability
tDCS is a non-invasive technique that stimulates the brain through the scalp. We can use tDCS to stimulate regions of the brain that control movement (i.e. motor cortex) in individuals who have had a stroke. Research findings suggest that the ability to move the arm and hand can be improved when tDCS is combined with physical therapy. The mechanism that underlies this improvement may be related to the ability of tDCS to modulate interactions between the affected and unaffected motor cortex. In this project, healthy individuals will receive tDCS and we will quantify how excitability in both left and right motor cortex is changed after tDCS. This research will allow us to better understand the mechanisms by which tDCS can improve movements after stroke.
Investigators: Dr. Joyce Chen, Dr. Robert Chen, Dr. Mike Vesia; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital
Towards a personalized approach to stroke motor recovery using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
The application of tDCS combined with physical therapy has the potential to enhance the recovery of movements more than therapy alone (i.e. without the stimulation). While research results are promising and suggest that tDCS ‘works’, it doesn’t seem to work for everyone. We believe a personalized approach to brain stimulation is required to maximize the effects of therapy for each person. We will evaluate the effects of personalized tDCS on the recovery of arm movements in individuals with chronic stroke, and determine if biomarkers can be used to predict treatment response to tDCS.
Investigators: Dr. Joyce Chen, Dr. Mindy Levin, Dr. Alexander Thiel, Dr. Robert Chen, Dr. Sara McEwen, Dr. Jodi Edwards, Dr. Rick Swartz, Dr. Alex Kiss, Dr. Gottfried Schlaug; Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Jewish General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, St. John’s Rehab, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Harvard Medical School-Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Music supported rehabilitation (MSR) in people with chronic stroke
MSR is a technique that may improve gross and fine motor skills in the stroke-affected arm and hand. Individuals in the chronic stage of stroke were randomized to receive MSR or a dose-matched control therapy. Brain images were obtained prior to, during and at the end of the intervention. The PULSE lab is studying whether biomarkers, derived from magnetic resonance imaging, relate to a patient's motor outcome, and if they can predict effects of the intervention.
Investigators: Dr. Takako Fujioka, Dr. Deirdre Dawson, Dr. Bernhard Ross, Dr. Sandra Black, Dr. Donald Stuss, Dr. Jean Chen, Dr. Joyce Chen; Baycrest-Rotman Research Institute, Sunnybrook Research Institute
Effects of music listening on movement
Listening to music often makes us want to move and can also make us feel good. Research in the PULSE lab aims to unravel how the act of listening to music can be harnessed to enhance movements. We will determine if music listening can enhance our mood and thus our motivation to engage in exercise and our ability to learn motor skills.
Investigators: Dr. Shinya Fujii, Dr. Joyce Chen, Dr. David Alter; Keio University (Japan), Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
tDCS is a non-invasive technique that stimulates the brain through the scalp. We can use tDCS to stimulate regions of the brain that control movement (i.e. motor cortex) in individuals who have had a stroke. Research findings suggest that the ability to move the arm and hand can be improved when tDCS is combined with physical therapy. The mechanism that underlies this improvement may be related to the ability of tDCS to modulate interactions between the affected and unaffected motor cortex. In this project, healthy individuals will receive tDCS and we will quantify how excitability in both left and right motor cortex is changed after tDCS. This research will allow us to better understand the mechanisms by which tDCS can improve movements after stroke.
Investigators: Dr. Joyce Chen, Dr. Robert Chen, Dr. Mike Vesia; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital
Towards a personalized approach to stroke motor recovery using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
The application of tDCS combined with physical therapy has the potential to enhance the recovery of movements more than therapy alone (i.e. without the stimulation). While research results are promising and suggest that tDCS ‘works’, it doesn’t seem to work for everyone. We believe a personalized approach to brain stimulation is required to maximize the effects of therapy for each person. We will evaluate the effects of personalized tDCS on the recovery of arm movements in individuals with chronic stroke, and determine if biomarkers can be used to predict treatment response to tDCS.
Investigators: Dr. Joyce Chen, Dr. Mindy Levin, Dr. Alexander Thiel, Dr. Robert Chen, Dr. Sara McEwen, Dr. Jodi Edwards, Dr. Rick Swartz, Dr. Alex Kiss, Dr. Gottfried Schlaug; Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Jewish General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, St. John’s Rehab, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Harvard Medical School-Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Music supported rehabilitation (MSR) in people with chronic stroke
MSR is a technique that may improve gross and fine motor skills in the stroke-affected arm and hand. Individuals in the chronic stage of stroke were randomized to receive MSR or a dose-matched control therapy. Brain images were obtained prior to, during and at the end of the intervention. The PULSE lab is studying whether biomarkers, derived from magnetic resonance imaging, relate to a patient's motor outcome, and if they can predict effects of the intervention.
Investigators: Dr. Takako Fujioka, Dr. Deirdre Dawson, Dr. Bernhard Ross, Dr. Sandra Black, Dr. Donald Stuss, Dr. Jean Chen, Dr. Joyce Chen; Baycrest-Rotman Research Institute, Sunnybrook Research Institute
Effects of music listening on movement
Listening to music often makes us want to move and can also make us feel good. Research in the PULSE lab aims to unravel how the act of listening to music can be harnessed to enhance movements. We will determine if music listening can enhance our mood and thus our motivation to engage in exercise and our ability to learn motor skills.
Investigators: Dr. Shinya Fujii, Dr. Joyce Chen, Dr. David Alter; Keio University (Japan), Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute