Saturday, May 31, 2025
5/31/2025
Unraveling Sensorimotor Integration Post-Stroke: Neurophysiological Insights - This research tackles critical knowledge gaps in understanding sensorimotor integration impairments in stroke survivors, a condition that significantly impacts millions of individuals worldwide. Stroke often results in long-term motor and sensory deficits that hinder independence, mobility, and quality of life. Sensorimotor integration—responsible for coordinating sensory inputs and motor outputs to enable precise, purposeful movements—becomes disrupted after a stroke. Despite its critical role, the mechanisms underlying these disruptions and their implications for rehabilitation remain underexplored. The project investigates the interaction between sensory and motor pathways during static tasks, such as isometric movements, and functional activities, like the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Utilizing advanced neurophysiological tools, including electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG), this research will analyze cortical activity and brain-muscle connectivity. These technologies enable real-time, high-resolution assessment of neural and muscular coordination, offering a comprehensive view of how stroke affects the central and peripheral nervous systems. By focusing on cortical and cortico-muscular connectivity, the study aims to uncover patterns of disrupted communication between brain regions and muscles that contribute to impaired motor control and functional limitations. Traditional stroke rehabilitation methods often rely on subjective assessments, which lack the precision needed to tailor effective interventions. This research transitions to objective, data-driven methodologies, leveraging techniques like power spectral density analysis, coherence metrics, and phase-locking value calculations to provide detailed insights into neural dynamics. The study’s outcomes will not only enhance the scientific understanding of stroke-induced sensorimotor impairments but also inform the development of innovative therapeutic interventions that are personalized, effective, and focused on restoring functional connectivity. The anticipated advancements include rehabilitative strategies that address both sensory and motor deficits, providing a holistic approach to recovery. These strategies are expected to improve motor coordination, balance, and mobility, directly enhancing patients’ independence and quality of life. By bridging the gap between research and clinical application, this project has the potential to set a new standard in stroke rehabilitation. Furthermore, the use of cutting-edge methodologies establishes a foundation for future studies exploring sensorimotor integration and its role in recovery from neurological conditions. Ultimately, this research not only offers a deeper understanding of stroke-related impairments but also paves the way for the development of targeted neurorehabilitation programs, empowering individuals to regain autonomy and participate fully in their communities.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).