Our group performs basic science and clinical research related to neural control of movement important for understanding causes of movement disorders. Our long-term research interests include understanding the central nervous system (CNS) plasticity/reorganization as a result of disease, medical intervention, and its relation with functional recovery. Major techniques used in our investigation include neuroimaging, electrophysiological, biomechanical, and behavioral methods. We investigate both functional and anatomical adaptations of the brain after neurological diseases and rehabilitation. Functional recovery after CNS insult, such as stroke, is a consequence of adaptation/reorganization of the brain and our goal is to understand this process. One of the research directions is to understand cognitive process of movement control and how this process can be used to assist motor function recovery. Results from recent studies have shown that cognitive motor function training (repetitive mental processes of a forceful muscle contraction) enhances maximal brain-to-muscle signal that leads to strengthening of muscles. We are investigating whether the cognitive training can enhance motor function in stroke patients and frail older adults, and the underlying neural mechanisms. Another major focus of our program is to examine brain modulations of fatigue. Fatigue is a prevalent clinical condition that significantly affects quality of life of numerous patients. Our study of this line aims at understanding the role the CNS contributing to excessive fatigue in cancer and neurological disorders. We are also interested in developing therapies for more effective management of fatigue.
Movement disorder is one of most significant diseases that diminish patients’ mobility and quality of life. Effective treatment strategies depend on many factors but a clear understanding of underlying mechanisms of the diseases and their recovery is key for development of target drugs and therapies. Our group focuses on investigating neural mechanisms behind movement disorders caused by neurological impairments such as stroke, frail aging or cancer survivors whose neuromuscular systems are compromised by cancer and/or its treatments. We use non-invasive research tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), brain and muscle electric wave analysis hardware and software, and movement evaluation methods to gain insights into structural and physiological adaptations of the central nervous system, and behavioral changes in live patients. Findings of our research facilitate effective treatment of movement disorders.
Liu JZ, Lewandowski B, Karakasis C, Yao B, Siemionow V, Sahgal V, Yue GH. Shifting of activation center in the brain during muscle fatigue: An explanation of minimal central fatigue? NeuroImage, 35: 299-307, 2007.
Zhang LD, Dean D, Liu JZ, Sahgal V, Yue GH. Quantifying brain white matter changes in normal aging using fractal dimension. Neurobiol Aging, 28: 1543-1555, 2007.
Fang Y, Daly JJ, Hrovat Sun J, K, Sahgal V, Yue GH. Functional corticomuscular connection during reaching is weakened following stroke. Clin Neurophysiol, 120: 994-1002, 2009.
Fang Y, Yue GH, Hrovat K, Sahgal V, Daly J. Abnormal cognitive planning and movement smoothness control for a complex shoulder/elbow motor task in stroke survivors. J Neurol Sci, 256: 21-29, 2007.
Kisiel-Sajewicz K, Fang Y, Daly JJ, Siemionow V, Jaskólska A, Jaskólski A, Sun CK, Sahgal V, Yue GH. Weakening of synergist muscle coupling during reaching movement in patients post stroke. Neural Repab Neural Repair, 25: 359-368, 2011.
Lerner Research Institute
Cleveland Clinic,
Mail Code NB21
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44195
Tel: (216) 444-3900
