Grant: Operating Grant

The main goal of this research is to understand whether the white matter of the brain is changed by experience. Further, we will examine which is the key driver of recovery of arm function after stroke: changes in the structure of the brain or changes in how brain regions interact with one another. Together, these data will advance our understanding of how neural systems support recovery from stroke. We have developed a new MRI technique that allows us to assess the health of a brain structure called myelin. This structure is important as it allows information to travel down nerves faster; the more myelin the quicker the signal can be conducted. Because we are among one of a few centers in the world who have this capability we will be the first to consider whether changes in myelin content care related to the amount of use of the paretic arm after stroke. Perhaps more importantly, we will also test whether or not movement training can increase myelin in the brain in both people with stroke and healthy controls. If movement training does increase myelin in the brain, we will have identified an important new target for rehabilitation interventions. Taken together, the results of this study will provide crucial information for the advancement of stroke rehabilitation strategies that may improve quality of life for Canadians with stroke.