Student-run speaker series: Charlotte Stagg

On Firday July 7th at 18:00, the student-run speaker series "Connectomics and neuromodulation" will feature a lecture by Charlotte Stagg, University of Oxford, UK.

Her presentation, entitled "Oscillations and inhibition: towards an understanding of the neurophysiology of motor learning" will be held at the BCCN Lecture Hall, Philippstraße 13, Haus 6.

Abstract: How we learn new motor skills, such as learning to play the piano or play tennis, is a question of fundamental importance to everyday life. It also has direct relevance to how we might re-learn to move our hands after a brain injury such as a stroke. However, the neuroplastic mechanisms supporting learning occur across multiple spatial and temporal scales; from the synapse to the network and from effects lasting seconds to those lasting months or even years, making understanding these processes complex. Here, Dr. Stagg will discuss recent studies from her group studying the physiological basis of motor plasticity in vivo, in particular how changes across a wide range of spatial scales may interact to support functional improvements. To this end they have combined advanced neuroimaging, including MR Imaging, MR Spectroscopy and MEG, with non-invasive brain stimulation in humans. Taken together, these studies provide convergent evidence that changes in local and network-level inhibitory processing are a key component of motor learning. Dr. Stagg will discuss how we can use the information gained to optimise non-invasive brain stimulation approaches with the ultimate aim of enhancing functional improvements post-stroke.

Here you can find information about the next appointments!