Neuromodulation by Continuous and Integrated Monitoring and Treatment
Influence the road from nerve to brain
The NeuroCIMT programme aims to develop novel ways of monitoring and treating neurological diseases and sensory impairments through quantitative models of the brain, e.g. by using EEG recordings. Each of the eight projects is aimed at delivering a proof of concept or prototype for clinical application. The research programme combines fundamental research with actual applications in a clinical setting. Therefore academic, clinical, and industrial partners are in this programme together.
The NeuroCIMT programme consists of 8 different projects:
Project 1: Otocontrol
Project 2: NOCICEPT
Project 3: Barocontrol
Project 4: i-TDCS
Project 5: Reflexioning
Project 6: Stiffness as needed
Project 7: Ambulatory Sensing
Project 8: Invasive Sensing
Four systems
The research focuses on four specific systems: the auditory system, the pain regulation system, the autonomous nervous system and the neuromuscular system. Clinical problems tackled in the programme differ from hearing problems, chronic pain or posture related blood pressure drops to spasms and movement impairments due to stroke, thereby offering a possibility to evaluate the NeuroCIMT approach in various neurological systems.
Control function
Within eight interrelated projects, advanced neurostimulation technology, real-time feedback technology and assistive devices will be further developed, both for monitoring and treatment purposes. The overall aim is to image and influence the control function of the central nervous system. How do people process different stimuli into actions, and how do different brain areas adapt for example after training, or after a dramatic event such as a stroke?
Monitoring, Imaging and influencing
With different techniques, such as 4DEEG, ElectroCorticoGraphy and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, signal processing in the brain is imaged. Mechanical manipulators, different forms of electrical stimulation of nerves and muscles, biofeedback and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation are used to influence the malfunctioning processes. Within NeuroCIMT, typically techniques such as motion monitoring, imaging and blood flow measurements are combined into wearable, unobtrusive systems for use in daily life. These can by themselves be used to evaluate the effects of targeted therapies.
New treatments
The knowledge gained in this programme is necessary to develop new or more efficient treatments. At the same time, actual applications are developed which can be used for neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke. Within the scope of the NeuroCIMT programme, often the outcome of a project will be proof of principle for one specific condition. However, it is the expectation that the principles developed will also turn out to be useful for other diseases.
Sharing knowledge
All researchers and companies involved will share their knowledge in a yearly joint symposium, yearly summerschools, bilateral meetings and specific meetings of members working on similar subjects. Furthermore, some of the PhD students and postdocs working on enabling technologies such as the 4DEEg technique, will be involved in two or more projects simultaneously.