Lecture Luncheon

Neuroplasticity (includes neuroscience)

Stroke

Technology (e.g. robotics, assistive technology, mHealth)

LECTURE LUNCHEON: Interacting With the Human Brain: How can we Stimulate Positive Neuroplasticity? (798270)

Presenter(s)

• 

  Lara A. Boyd, PT, PhD

  Professor
  University of British Columbia
  Vancouver, British Columbia

  Presentation Slides Presentation + Audio

Moderator(s)

• 

  Lynne Gauthier, PhD

  Associate Professor
  University of Massachusetts Lowell
  Lowell, Massachusetts

  Presentation Slides Presentation + Audio

Abbreviated Description: Recent work demonstrates that the human brain is remarkably neuroplastic, which can result in either positive (eg. learning) or negative effects (eg,. chronic pain). Various behavioral and neurophysiological interventions (e.g., exercise, brain stimulation, robotics) can be paired with skilled motor practice to improve outcomes. This symposium will consider how neuroplasticity operates in the human brain, present recent research illustrating what interventions stimulate positive change, and consider how patterns of neuroplasticity may vary from person to person. This information may be used to advance recovery from brain damage or stimulate learning in healthy brains.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the neurobiology of plasticity in the human brain
• Describe how sensory and motor systems interact during learning
• Describe how exercise, brain stimulation, and robotics can stimulate positive neuroplasticity
• Consider what behaviours affect neuroplasticity after brain damage