Neuroplasticity is the innate capacity of the nervous system to change and adapt to different stimuli

Neuroplasticity is a must during development but also during adulthood when we try to learn and remember new facts and events. Neuroplasticity forms the basis of recovery in neurological conditions such as stroke and it is essential in other neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

In the Memory Lab, we study basic mechanisms of neuroplasticity to create novel and more effective interventions that will promote changes in the brain to improve and maintain cognitive and physical well being in different population groups.

OUR RESEARCH ON NEUROPLASTICITY

High-intensity interval training for stroke patients

This project explores the role of exercise intensity on brain plasticity, cardiovascular health and motor…

Genotype and the response to exercise in sub-acute stroke

This project studies whether the genotype modulates the individual response to exercise on brain plasticity…

Exercise, brain plasticity and dopamine in Parkinson’s disease

This project investigates whether, timely combined, the administration of dopaminergic drug and exercise can improve…

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FUNDING SUPPORT

NON-INVASIVE BRAIN STIMULATION

We use transcranial magnetic stimulation to measure the excitability and modulate the activity of different regions of the brain that are involved in various aspects of cognition.

NEURONAVIGATION

We use neuronavigation to visualize the brain in vivo and improve the accuracy and repeatability of our brain stimulation and neuroimaging protocols.

NEUROIMAGING

We use electroencephalography to assess changes in the activity of different areas of the brain at rest, during sleep and during different motor and cognitive tasks.

CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS

We use exercise tests to assess the physiological response to exercise of our patients and participants. During these tests we measure cardiac activity, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, and biomarkers.

MOTOR BEHAVIOR

We use different motor learning paradigms, including serial reaction time, visuomotor-tracking and ballistic tasks involving both upper and lower limb, to study the capacity to learn and retain motor skills.

BLOOD BIOMARKERS

We measure the concentration of proteins such as Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which are related to brain plasticity processes required for motor recovery.

GENOTYPING

We use genotyping to explore how specific genes determine the recovery after brain injury or the response to different rehabilitation strategies such as cardiovascular exercise.