Activity-dependent plasticity of long-range sensorimotor connectivity. (360G-Wellcome-110027_Z_15_Z)

This proposal will consider when and how activity-dependent plasticity of long-range brain connections occurs, and will assess its behavioural significance. The programme will include work ranging from cellular level studies of the underlying biology in rodents, and basic science studies in human volunteers, through to proof of principle trials in clinical populations. The proposal includes the following work packages: 1. Manipulating activity These projects use neurofeedback to alter hu man brain activity in order to test whether modulating activity in specific sensorimotor circuits can produce rapid and bidirectional changes in brain connections and change behaviour. 2. Manipulating behaviour. This programme will test whether reduced limb use results in altered functional and structural connectivity. 3. Underlying biology Studies in transgenic rodents will assess whether myelin change contributes to plasticity of brain connections. Secondary questions concern the role of sleep in observed changes in brain connections and behaviour. 4. Boosting plasticity of brain connections for rehabilitation In our final work package, we will apply principles established from the basic science programme described above to stroke rehabilitation. First, we will assess whether neurofeedback can be used to rebalance motor-related activity after stroke. Second, we will test whether improving sleep quality after stroke can affect rehabilitation outcomes, due to the importa nce of sleep for consolidation of motor learning.