News and Events

November 2002

NmRRL Receives Grant to Study fMRI in Stroke Patients

Study to Examine Brain Reorganization After Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy

In collaboration with personnel from The Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry at The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, NmRRL Director Dr. Stephen Page has obtained a grant to study the effects of modified constraint-induced therapy on functional outcome and brain organization in stroke patients. Dr. Page notes, "Modified constraint-induced therapy is a reimbursable, outpatient arm therapy that has been shown to be effective in improving arm function following stroke. However, we are uncertain why it is so effective, although we think that the brain is actually reorganizing in response to mCIT participation. This study will be the first to examine this possibility in more detail."

The study will be one of the first to collect neuroimaging data using the University of Cincinnati Medical Center's new 4 Tesla neuroimaging scanner. The scanner, which was installed in Fall, 2003, is one of the only in the country and provides the team with unparalleled ability to image changes in brain activity. "We are delighted to be able to have access to such technology. This study and its approach are unique to the tri state area and to the country; however, the availability of such outstanding resources to researchers makes UC a premier research institution," states Page.