Professor of Neurology and Interface Disorders
Lecturer in Biomechanics and Human Movement Control
Lecturer in Aerospace Physiology
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Human muscle and spinal activation in response to loading
Human standing can be considered the framework for independent movement. Understanding the basic anatomy and physiology of human standing is crucial to support the development of technology aimed at restoring independent gait, for example in spinal cord injury survivors. This project aims to investigate muscle and spinal activation at different gravitational loads. This work will enhance our understanding of human whole body motor control, and could inform future developments in the area of neural stimulation.
Modulating cortical connectivity with transcranial magnetic stimulation to enhance sensorimotor function in movement disorders
The generation of skilled upper limb movements relies on a complex neuronal network including several cerebral cortical and sub-cortical areas. The processing of multi-modal sensory information and its efficient transfer across this network are critical to produce precise and adaptable movements in an ever-changing environment. Damage to this network dramatically impacts on sensorimotor function, leading to devastating movement disorders.
Novel transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) techniques allow probing the connectivity between two cortical nodes, showing whether sensorimotor information is transferred efficiently and what alterations occur following cortical damage. Recent findings also reveal that up-regulation of cortical connectivity via TMS-induced Hebbian-like neuroplasticity yields improved performance in sensory tasks. However, it is unknown whether these gains can transfer to motor control. We hypothesise that up-regulating the connectivity between specific sensorimotor areas will improve sensorimotor control in healthy volunteers, with the potential to restore sensorimotor function in patients with movement disorders.
Motor system physiology and function
The laboratory is interested in how the brain converts our goals into actions. We specialise in devising and applying new techniques to study the physiology of the human motor system. We use non-invasive electrophysiological recordings and brain stimulation to examine the basic wiring of the motor system, as well as its functioning during the planning, execution and cancellation of movements. The lab also has a broader interest in cortical physiology and using novel brain stimulation techniques to monitor the effects of central nervous system acting drugs on the brain, and to examine changes associated with the inherent ageing process.
Publications of lab members:
Parastronaut work
More than 250 people have applied to a project which hopes to send a physically disabled person into space for the first time. In the words of Dr Irene Di Guilio: "Our hypothesis is that there are some disabilities that could be beneficial for spaceflight, for example, people with double leg amputation could be better suited for spaceflight.” Many astronauts experience a “fluid shift from the brain to the legs or vice versa” during take-off and landing, and a double leg amputee may have a less adverse reaction, she said. Watch Channel 4 News’ sports reporter Jordan Jarrett-Bryan, who is an amputee, undergo a training programme which mimicked some of the aspects of Esa’s “parastronaut” scheme.
Over 30 Brits bid to become first physically disabled astronaut