Name: evaluating postural control and lower-extremity muscle activation in individuals with chronic ankle instability
Uploaded: 2020-09-18T14:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability at JoVE.com

The authors acknowledge the funding of National Natural Science Fund of China (11572202, 11772201, and 31700815).

Prior to tests, the participants signed an informed consent after receiving information about the experimental process. This experiment has been approved by the ethics committee of Shanghai University of Sports.
1. Equipment setup
<ol>
	<li>Turn on the CDP system, complete self-calibration, and ensure that the instrument operates normally at 100 Hz sampling frequency. 
	NOTE: Each of the two installed independent force plates measures three forces (Fx, Fy, and Fz) and three moments (Mx, My, and Mz). The x-a...

<ol>
	<li>Winter, D. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Human+balance+and+posture+control+during+standing+and+walking.">Human balance and posture control during standing and walking.</a> Gait &amp; Posture. 3, 193-214 (1995).</li><li>Vanicek, N., King, S. A., Gohil, R., Chetter, I. C., Coughlin, P. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Computerized+dynamic+posturography+for+postural+control+assessment+in+patients+with+intermittent+claudication.">Computerized dynamic posturography for postural control assessment in patients with intermittent claudication.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (82), e51077 (2013).</li><li>Yin, L., Wang, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Acute+Effect+of+Kinesiology+Taping+on+Postural+Stability+in+Individuals+With+Unilateral+Chronic+Ankle+Instability.">Acute Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Postural Stability in Individuals With Unilateral Chronic Ankle Instability.</a> Frontiers in Physiology. 11, 192 (2020).</li><li>Fusco, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dynamic+Balance+Evaluation:+Reliability+and+Validity+of+a+Computerized+Wobble+Board.">Dynamic Balance Evaluation: Reliability and Validity of a Computerized Wobble Board.</a> Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 34 (6), 1709-1715 (2020).</li><li>Fusco, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Wobble+board+balance+assessment+in+subjects+with+chronic+ankle+instability.">Wobble board balance assessment in subjects with chronic ankle instability.</a> Gait &amp; Posture. 68, 352-356 (2019).</li><li>Silva Pde, B., Oliveira, A. S., Mrachacz-Kersting, N., Laessoe, U., Kersting, U. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Strategies+for+equilibrium+maintenance+during+single+leg+standing+on+a+wobble+board.">Strategies for equilibrium maintenance during single leg standing on a wobble board.</a> Gait &amp; Posture. 44, 149-154 (2016).</li><li>Dom&#232;nech-Vadillo, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Normative+data+for+static+balance+testing+in+healthy+individuals+using+open+source+computerized+posturography.">Normative data for static balance testing in healthy individuals using open source computerized posturography.</a> European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 276 (1), 41-48 (2019).</li><li>Harro, C. C., Garascia, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reliability+and+validity+of+computerized+force+platform+measures+of+balance+function+in+healthy+older+adults.">Reliability and validity of computerized force platform measures of balance function in healthy older adults.</a> Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. 42 (3), 57-66 (2019).</li><li>Doherty, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+incidence+and+prevalence+of+ankle+sprain+injury:+a+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis+of+prospective+epidemiological+studies.">The incidence and prevalence of ankle sprain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective epidemiological studies.</a> Sports Medicine. 44 (1), 123-140 (2014).</li><li>Hertel, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sensorimotor+deficits+with+ankle+sprains+and+chronic+ankle+instability.">Sensorimotor deficits with ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability.</a> Clinics in Sports Medicine. 27 (3), 353-370 (2008).</li><li>Munn, J., Sullivan, S. J., Schneiders, A. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evidence+of+sensorimotor+deficits+in+functional+ankle+instability:+a+systematic+review+with+meta-analysis.">Evidence of sensorimotor deficits in functional ankle instability: a systematic review with meta-analysis.</a> Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 13 (1), 2-12 (2010).</li><li>Arnold, B. L., De La Motte, S., Linens, S., Ross, S. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ankle+instability+is+associated+with+balance+impairments:+a+meta-analysis.">Ankle instability is associated with balance impairments: a meta-analysis.</a> Medicine &amp; Science in Sports &amp; Exercise. 41 (5), 1048-1062 (2009).</li><li>de-la-Torre-Domingo, C., Alguacil-Diego, I. M., Molina-Rueda, F., Lopez-Roman, A., Fernandez-Carnero, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+kinesiology+tape+on+measurements+of+balance+in+subjects+with+chronic+ankle+instability:+a+randomized+controlled+trial.">Effect of kinesiology tape on measurements of balance in subjects with chronic ankle instability: a randomized controlled trial.</a> Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 96 (12), 2169-2175 (2015).</li><li>Jaber, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neuromuscular+control+of+ankle+and+hip+during+performance+of+the+star+excursion+balance+test+in+subjects+with+and+without+chronic+ankle+instability.">Neuromuscular control of ankle and hip during performance of the star excursion balance test in subjects with and without chronic ankle instability.</a> PLoS One. 13 (8), 0201479 (2018).</li><li>Simpson, J. D., Stewart, E. M., Macias, D. M., Chander, H., Knight, A. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Individuals+with+chronic+ankle+instability+exhibit+dynamic+postural+stability+deficits+and+altered+unilateral+landing+biomechanics:+A+systematic+review.">Individuals with chronic ankle instability exhibit dynamic postural stability deficits and altered unilateral landing biomechanics: A systematic review.</a> Phys Ther Sport. 37, 210-219 (2019).</li><li>Gribble, P. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Selection+criteria+for+patients+with+chronic+ankle+instability+in+controlled+research:+a+position+statement+of+the+International+Ankle+Consortium.">Selection criteria for patients with chronic ankle instability in controlled research: a position statement of the International Ankle Consortium.</a> Br J Sports Medicine. 48 (13), 1014-1018 (2014).</li><li>Wrisley, D. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Learning+effects+of+repetitive+administrations+of+the+sensory+organization+test+in+healthy+young+adults.">Learning effects of repetitive administrations of the sensory organization test in healthy young adults.</a> Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 88 (8), 1049-1054 (2007).</li><li>Tabard-Foug&#232;re, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=EMG+normalization+method+based+on+grade+3+of+manual+muscle+testing:+Within-+and+between-day+reliability+of+normalization+tasks+and+application+to+gait+analysis.">EMG normalization method based on grade 3 of manual muscle testing: Within- and between-day reliability of normalization tasks and application to gait analysis.</a> Gait &amp; Posture. 60, 6-12 (2018).</li><li>Shim, D. B., Song, M. H., Park, H. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Typical+sensory+organization+test+findings+and+clinical+implication+in+acute+vestibular+neuritis.">Typical sensory organization test findings and clinical implication in acute vestibular neuritis.</a> Auris Nasus Larynx. 45 (5), 916-921 (2018).</li><li>Nam, G. S., Jung, C. M., Kim, J. H., Son, E. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Relationship+of+vertigo+and+postural+instability+in+patients+with+vestibular+schwannoma.">Relationship of vertigo and postural instability in patients with vestibular schwannoma.</a> Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology. 11 (2), 102-108 (2018).</li><li>Faraldo-Garcia, A., Santos-Perez, S., Crujeiras, R., Soto-Varela, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Postural+changes+associated+with+ageing+on+the+sensory+organization+test+and+the+limits+of+stability+in+healthy+subjects.">Postural changes associated with ageing on the sensory organization test and the limits of stability in healthy subjects.</a> Auris Nasus Larynx. 43 (2), 149-154 (2016).</li><li>Gofrit, S. G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+association+between+video-nystagmography+and+sensory+organization+test+of+computerized+dynamic+posturography+in+patients+with+vestibular+symptoms.">The association between video-nystagmography and sensory organization test of computerized dynamic posturography in patients with vestibular symptoms.</a> European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 276 (12), 3513-3517 (2019).</li><li>Gribble, P. A., Hertel, J., Denegar, C. R., Buckley, W. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effects+of+fatigue+and+chronic+ankle+instability+on+dynamic+postural+control.">The effects of fatigue and chronic ankle instability on dynamic postural control.</a> Journal of Athletic Training. 39 (4), 321-329 (2004).</li><li>Gribble, P. A., Hertel, J., Denegar, C. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chronic+ankle+instability+and+fatigue+create+proximal+joint+alterations+during+performance+of+the+Star+Excursion+Balance+Test.">Chronic ankle instability and fatigue create proximal joint alterations during performance of the Star Excursion Balance Test.</a> International Journal of Sports Medicine. 28 (3), 236-242 (2007).</li><li>Le Clair, K., Riach, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Postural+stability+measures:+what+to+measure+and+for+how+long.">Postural stability measures: what to measure and for how long.</a> Clinical Biomechanics. 11 (3), 176-178 (1996).</li><li>Fusco, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Y+balance+test:+Are+we+doing+it+right.">Y balance test: Are we doing it right.</a> Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 23 (2), 194-199 (2020).</li><li>Riemann, B., Davies, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Limb,+sex,+and+anthropometric+factors+influencing+normative+data+for+the+Biodex+Balance+System+SD+athlete+single+leg+stability+test.">Limb, sex, and anthropometric factors influencing normative data for the Biodex Balance System SD athlete single leg stability test.</a> Athletic Training &amp; Sports Health Care. 5, 224-232 (2013).</li><li>Chiari, L., Rocchi, L., Cappello, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stabilometric+parameters+are+affected+by+anthropometry+and+foot+placement.">Stabilometric parameters are affected by anthropometry and foot placement.</a> Clinical Biomechanics. 17 (9-10), 666-677 (2002).</li><li>Chaudhry, H., Bukiet, B., Ji, Z., Findley, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Measurement+of+balance+in+computer+posturography:+Comparison+of+methods--A+brief+review.">Measurement of balance in computer posturography: Comparison of methods--A brief review.</a> Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 15 (1), 82-91 (2011).</li><li>Hertel, J., Braham, R. A., Hale, S. A., Olmsted-Kramer, L. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simplifying+the+Star+Excursion+Balance+Test+Analyses+of+Subjects+With+and+Without+Chronic+Ankle+Instability.">Simplifying the Star Excursion Balance Test Analyses of Subjects With and Without Chronic Ankle Instability.</a> Journal of Orthopaedic &amp; Sports Physical Therapy. 36 (3), (2006).</li><li>Gribble, P. A., Hertel, J., Plisky, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Using+the+Star+Excursion+Balance+Test+to+assess+dynamic+postural-control+deficits+and+outcomes+in+lower+extremity+injury:+a+literature+and+systematic+review.">Using the Star Excursion Balance Test to assess dynamic postural-control deficits and outcomes in lower extremity injury: a literature and systematic review.</a> Journal of Athletic Training. 47 (3), 339-357 (2012).</li></ol>

The presented protocol is used to measure dynamic postural control and related muscle activity in individuals with CAI by synchronizing CDP with sEMG. CDP traces the trajectory of the COP and COG and provides insight into the interaction between sensory information (visual, somatosensory, and vestibular sensation) input and the external environment8,21,22. It is an effective tool for the diagnosis of the functional activity limi...

Computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) is an objective technique for the evaluation of postural stability under static and dynamic conditions and perturbation. CDP is based on the inverted pendulum model that traces the interrelationship between the center of pressure (COP) and the center of gravity (COG). COG is the vertical projection of the center of mass (COM), whereas COM is the point equivalent of the total body mass in the global reference system. COP is the point location of the vertical ground reaction force vector. It represents a weighted average of all the pressures over the surface of the contact area with the ground1. Postural stability is the ability to maintain the COM within the base of support in a given sensory environment. It reflects neuromuscular control ability that coordinates the central nervous system with the afferent sensory system (vision, proprioception, and vestibular sensation) and motor command output2.
Previous evaluation methods for postural control, such as the time for a single-leg stance and the reach distance for Y-balance tests, are results-oriented and cannot be used to objectively evaluate the coordination between sensory systems and motor control3. In addition, some studies used portable computerized wobble board, which quantified dynamic balance performances out of laboratory settings4,5,6. CDP differs from the abovementioned test methods, because it can be applied to the analysis of the proportion of vision, proprioception, and vestibular sensation in postural stability maintenance and to the evaluation of the proportion of motor strategy, such as ankle or hip dominant strategy. It has been viewed as a gold standard for postural control measurement7 because of its accuracy, reliability, and validity8.
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is characterized by persistent ankle pain, swelling, and feeling of &#8220;giving way&#8221;; it is one of the most common sports injuries9. CAI originates mostly from lateral ankle sprains, which destroy the integrity and stability of the lateral ankle ligament complex. The proprioception, fibular muscle strength, and normal trajectory of talus are impaired10,11. The deficiencies of the weak ankle segment can result in deficient postural control and muscle activation in individuals with CAI12. However, few studies have investigated the postural stability of individuals with CAI by using CDP3,13. Current measurements could rarely analyze the posture control deficiency of CAI from the perspective of sensory analysis. Therefore, the ability of sensory organization and postural strategy of CAI to maintain postural stability needs further exploration.
Muscle activity is an important component of neuromuscular control that affects the regulation of postural stability14,15. However, CDP only monitors the interrelationship between COP and COG through force plates, and its application to the observation of the specific activation level of lower limb muscles in individuals with CAI is difficult. Currently, few studies have evaluated the postural stability of individuals with CAI through a method that combines CDP with electromyography (EMG).
Therefore, the developed protocol aims to explore postural control and related muscle activity by combining CDP and surface electromyography system (sEMG). This protocol provides a novel approach to investigate neuromuscular control, including sensory organization, postural control, and related muscle activity, for participants with CAI.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>NeuroCom Balance Manager SMART EquiTest</td>
			<td>Natus Medical Incorporated, USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Its major components include: NeuroCom Balance Manager Software Suite, dynamic dual force plate (rotate &#38; translate), moveable visual surround with 15&#8221; LCD display (it could provide a real time display of the subject&#8217;s center of gravity shown as a cursor during the task) and illumination, overhead support bar with patient harness, computer and other parts.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>wireless Myon 320 sEMG system</td>
			<td>Myon AG</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>The system consists of 16 parallel channels of transmitter signals, receiver, &#34;EMG motion Tools&#34; and &#34;ProEMG&#34; software,computer and other parts.</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

evaluating postural control and lower-extremity muscle activation in individuals with chronic ankle instability

Computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) is an objective technique for the evaluation of postural stability under static and dynamic conditions and perturbation. CDP is based on the inverted pendulum model that traces the interrelationship between the center of pressure and the center of gravity. CDP can be used to analyze the proportions of vision, proprioception, and vestibular sensation to maintain postural stability. The following characters define chronic ankle instability (CAI): persistent ankle pain, swelling, the feeling of &#8220;giving way,&#8221; and self-reported disability. Postural stability and fibular muscle activation level in individuals with CAI decreased due to lateral ankle ligament complex injuries. Few studies have used CDP to explore the postural stability of individuals with CAI. Studies that investigate postural stability and related muscle activation by using synchronized CDP with surface electromyography are lacking. This CDP protocol includes a sensory organization test (SOT), a motor control test (MCT), and an adaption test (ADT), as well as tests that measure unilateral stance (US) and limit of stability (LOS). The surface electromyography system is synchronized with CDP to collect data on lower limb muscle activation during measurement. This protocol presents a novel approach for evaluating the coordination of the visual, somatosensory, and vestibular systems and related muscle activation to maintain postural stability. Moreover, it provides new insights into the neuromuscular control of individuals with CAI when coping with real complex environments.

Representative CDP Results 
Sensory organization test 
The system evaluates the participant&#8217;s ability to maintain COG in the predetermined target area, when the environment changes as the peripheral signal input. Equilibrium score (ES) is the score under conditions 1&#8211;6 that reflects the ability to coordinate the sensory system to maintain postural stability (Equation 6). The composite score (COMP) is the weighted average score of al...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability at JoVE.com

Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability

Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibit postural control deficiency and delayed muscle activation of lower extremities. Computerized dynamic posturography combined with surface electromyography provides insights into the coordination of the visual, somatosensory, and vestibular systems with muscle activation regulation to maintain postural stability in individuals with CAI.

Computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) is an objective technique for the evaluation of postural stability under static and dynamic conditions and ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

TMS: Using the Theta-Burst Protocol to Explore Mechanism of Plasticity in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome and Autism

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), also known as Martin-Bell Syndrome, is a genetic abnormality found on the X chromosome.1,2 Individuals suffering from FXS ...

A General Method for Evaluating Incubation of Sucrose Craving in Rats

For someone on a food-restricted diet, food craving in response to food-paired cues may serve as a key behavioral transition point between abstinence and ...

Spectral Confocal Imaging of Fluorescently tagged Nicotinic Receptors in Knock-in Mice with Chronic Nicotine Administration

Ligand-gated ion channels in the central nervous system (CNS) are implicated in numerous conditions with serious medical and social consequences.  For ...

Design and Assembly of an Ultra-light Motorized Microdrive for Chronic Neural Recordings in Small Animals

The ability to chronically record from populations of neurons in freely behaving animals has proven an invaluable tool for dissecting the function of ...

Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes

Astrocytes  are an abundant cell type in the mammalian brain, yet much remains to be  learned about their molecular and functional characteristics. In ...

Proprioception and Tension Receptors in Crab Limbs: Student Laboratory Exercises

The primary purpose of these procedures is to demonstrate for teaching and research purposes how to record the activity of living primary sensory neurons ...

Automated Gait Analysis in Mice with Chronic Constriction Injury

The von Frey test is a classical method that has been widely used to examine the sensory function of neuropathic pain animals. However, it has some ...

Chronic Transcranial Electrical Stimulation and Intracortical Recording in Rats

Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) is a powerful and relatively simple approach to diffusely influence brain activity either randomly or in a ...

Functional MRI in Conjunction with a Novel MRI-compatible Hand-induced Robotic Device to Evaluate Rehabilitation of Individuals Recovering from Hand Grip Deficits

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging technique that images brain activation in vivo, using endogenous ...

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

We describe a rapid tissue donation program for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) that requires scientists and technicians to be on-call 24/7, 365 ...