Current research projects in neuroscience
Project 1: The impact of preterm birth on motor skills and cognitive development
This project is investigating whether or not babies born before their optimal gestation period of 9 months show reduced motor development later on in life. We have used transcranial magnetic stimulation technology (TMS) to excite the brains of children born at different stages of gestation, in order to test the functionality of their motor systems.
To date we have discovered that for every week of reduced gestation there is a corresponding reduction in motor development that is evident at age 12 years. We have also shown an association between motor dysfunction and reduced cognitive abilities, suggesting the two are related. We now hope to use this new knowledge to pioneer improved methods of diagnosing and treating impaired motor development in children born prematurely, and subsequently assisting their cognitive development as well.
This research project is being carried out in partnership with the Department of Neonatology at the Women's and Children's Hospital and the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide. Funded by a $466,000 project grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council, our project involves nine researchers led by Dr Julia Pitcher, leader of the Neuromotor Development Stream at the Children's Research Centre and co-head of the Neuromotor Plasticity and Development (NeuroPAD) Research Group at the Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide.
Project 2: The impact of preterm birth on the brain's ability to adapt to new experiences
Having already shown that preterm birth is associated with a reduction in motor development, we are now trying to determine whether the brain's capacity to compensate for this motor dysfunction is also affected in preterm children. A reduction in neuroplasticity, or the flexibility of the brain to reorganise and strengthen its neural networks in response to injury or malfunction, would limit a child's ability to overcome delays in their movement and educational development.
The artificial induction of neuroplastic changes in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years has never before been examined. This study will use repetitive transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS), a form of TMS employing trains of stimuli to temporarily ‘rewire' the motor cortex of preterm children and determine whether or not their capacity for neuroplasticity is impaired. Based on our findings we hope to develop long-term therapies that improve the adaptability of the brain during the early childhood years. Early detection and treatment may be significant in overcoming motor, learning and behavioural difficulties commonly experienced when the preterm child reaches school.
Started in 2010, this research project is being carried out at the Neuromotor Plasticity and Development (NeuroPAD) laboratories at the Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide. It involves four researchers led by Dr Michael Ridding, co-head of the NeuroPAD Research Group.
Project 3: The impact of general anaesthesia on the motor system of children
The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of general anaesthesia on brain responsiveness in children, as there is emerging evidence that general anaesthesia in children may affect subsequent motor development.
Our work involves examining the functionality of the motor cortex in children scheduled for minor surgery, before and after their operation/s. Most commonly-used general anaesthetics work by activating the main inhibitory (or GABA) pathways in the brain, and are known to have profound effects on motor system depression during anaesthesia. However, it is unknown how long these effects last after anaesthesia, or if they have any long-term effects on the development of the motor inhibitory systems in children. These systems are not fully developed until around 20 years of age. The findings of our study will have immediate clinical significance in the selection of general anaesthetics for children and adolescents, and the protocols surrounding their use.
Started in 2010, this research project is being carried out in partnership with the Department of Paediatric Anaesthesia at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide, and relies on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and high-resolution electroencephalography (EEG) with TMS neuronavigation, a system involving a number of small cameras and motion sensors to record brain activity.
The project involves five researchers and is being led by Dr Julia Pitcher, leader of the Neuromotor Development Stream at the Children's Research Centre and Head of the Neuromotor Plasticity and Development (NeuroPAD) Research Group at the Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide.
