Neuronal plasticity

Purpose

Elucidation of neuronal plasticity after training, de-training and during/after disease

Description

Neural plasticity is a prerequisite for development in human life. In particular, neural plasticity is the driving force which enables humans to perform all varieties of movements from “simple” walking to triple summersaults on a trampoline. We are interested in how, where and when neural plasticity occurs when learning or re-learning (e.g. after a spinal cord lesion) motor tasks. In understanding the plasticity and correlating it to actual improvements in performance we hope to improve learning and rehabilitation processes. Many different methods are applied in our studies, ranging from surface or needle electromyographic recordings to the application of more sophisticated neurophysiological techniques like peripheral nerve stimulation, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or Electroencephalography. Furthermore, to investigate neural plasticity, we use “external” devices interacting with the subject, e.g. devices which can generate force-fields or ergometers applying stretches to a muscle.

Involved people

Prof. Dr. Albert Gollhofer, Dr. Christian Leukel, Benedikt Lauber

Partners

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Taube, Martin Keller, Prof. Dr. Jens Bo Nielsen, Dr. Jesper Lundbye-Jensen, Prof. Dr. Armin Curt, PD Dr. Martin Schubert