Welcome to your daily round-up of everything happening in the world of neuro-rehab.
Research
Spinal breakthrough
Scientists in Japan have discovered the neural circuitry in the spinal cord that allows brain-independent motor learning. The study found two critical groups of spinal cord neurons, one necessary for new adaptive learning, and another for recalling adaptations once they have been learned. The findings could help scientists develop ways to assist motor recovery after spinal cord injury. See more here.
Stress signals in the brain and lower CV risk – study
New research indicates that physical activity lowers cardiovascular disease risk in part by reducing stress-related signaling in the brain. In the study, which was led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), people with stress-related conditions such as depression experienced the most cardiovascular benefits from physical activity.
Stem cell avenue shows promise
An experimental stem cell transplant, which aims to treat traumatic spinal cord injury, has shown promising new results in a phase I clinical trial. The single-dose spinal injection was “safe and well-tolerated” by all 10 patients with paralysis, it also resulted in some improved movement and sensation for 7 volunteers. See more here.
Rehab tech
Parkinson’s project gets funding boost
Oxford-based medical technology start-up gaitQ and Swiss medical device company machineMD have announced the joint award of a million dollar research grant from InnovateUK and Innosuisse to enable the collection and analysis of critical movement data from people with Parkinson’s (PwP).
The grant will fund an 18-month research project that will record movement data from 100 UK and Swiss PwP as they go about their daily lives, to help more effectively monitor the development of the disease.
The data will be used to establish patterns of behaviour and provide clinicians with insight to deliver more effective treatment plans, ultimately helping earlier detection and treatment of the condition. The data will be collected and analysed at University of Exeter (UoE) and University Hospital Zurich (USZ).
