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Welcome to the Rehabilitation Neuroscience Laboratory |
| School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria |
The main focus in the laboratory is the study of the neural control of rhythmic movement in humans with an emphasis on the role reflexes play in functional coordination of the limbs. Within this, studies of upper limb, lower limb, and interlimb responses are conducted. All projects are designed to answer both basic research questions and also to lead into applied studies with rehabilitative applications in different pathologies (e.g. stroke and spinal cord injury). The work on the upper limb essentially extends to an arm model to which many of the concepts documented previously concerning the function of reflexes during human locomotion may be applied.
The basic questions relevant to this focus have to do with understanding the nature and function of reflexes in the upper limb as well as how such reflexes may assist with coordination between the arms during repetitive movements. The work on interlimb reflexes is an extension of earlier work examining reflex function during treadmill locomotion. Projects are underway in which responses in the upper limb are observed after the stimulation of cutaneous nerves in the foot and vice versa, while subjects adopt different postures or walk on a treadmill. The basic questions answered by these projects relate to the integrative function of cutaneous reflexes during human movement. A major emerging focus is related to rehabilitation and motor recovery after neurotrauama. Experiments in this focus are conducted to apply the knowledge gained in the basic experiments towards enhancing functional recovery after spinal cord injury and stroke.
Lab Updates and News
Heart & Stroke Big Bike 2012
The Rehab Neuro Lab and UVic Forest Biology department are teaming up as the UVic Head & Heart Rehab team to ride the Heart & Stroke Foundation Big Bike in downtown Victoria on June 4, 2012.
Faces of UVic Research: E. Paul Zehr
Dr. E. Paul Zehr is a professor of Neuroscience and Kinesiology, and the Director of the Centre for Biomedical Research and Rehabilitation Neuroscience Lab at the University of Victoria. In this video he discusses his research into the recovery of walking after the nervous system has been damaged. He also explains the nervous systems' capacity to change, either after injury or in improvement in all individuals.
Craigdarroch Research Award 2012 Knowledge Mobilization
Award for Excellence in Knowledge Mobilization(Knowledge mobilization is the application of research results for societal benefit.)
Dr. E. Paul Zehr is an accomplished neuroscientist but is equally well known for his efforts to engage general audiences in the wonders of scientific research. Both passions inspired his two popular books, Becoming Batman and Inventing Iron Man.