Funding
Source: NSF Disability and Rehabilitation Engineering
Title: SEPCORPS Model - SEParating CORtical and SPinal -level motor control responses using transcranial direct current stimulation and transcutaneous electrical stimulation
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Filip Stefanovic - PI
Budget: $291,062 USD (Award ID: 2130651)
We are developing the first corticospinal model in volitional motor control for use in clinical neurorehabilitation. To accomplish this, we use fMRI to map the functional topologies of volitional neuromuscular control to identify the cortical “hot spots” associated with movement execution. When identified, we stimulate these areas with non-invasive brain stimulation and construct brain input-output response curves. Through experimentation, we also apply transcutaneous electrical stimulation and measure spinal level commands and response. These data are then used as part of a novel grey-box model representing corticospinal systems that emulate brain-muscle pathways based on neuroanatomical structures. This model is then developed to optimize non-invasive neurorehabilitation protocols, and further develop our understanding of neuromuscular control in healthy and paretic individuals.
Center for Excellence in Material Innovation and Tapecon Inc.
Title: Wearable patch HD-EMG for neurorehabilitation
Filip Stefanovic - PI
Budget: $45,683 USD
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In this study, we develop a stick to skin HD-EMG electrode and amplifier for remote neurorehabilitation. New hardware concepts are designed for the miniaturization of these neurorehabilitation devices.
Source: Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) via the NIH NCATS
Title: AHEAD – Acoustic Hemodynamic Examination through AI Diagnosis
Filip Stefanovic - Co-I
Budget: $48,000 USD
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AHEAD integrates state-of-the-art sound recording technologies for non-invasive monitoring of the brain's hemodynamics and leverages AI to discern normal from abnormal neurovascular states. Harnessing AI's capacity to manage vast data, recognize intricate patterns, and address human heterogeneity, we are navigating a significant hurdle in clinical research. Designed to be both cost-effective and user-friendly, AHEAD interfaces with a smartphone for analysis and results transmission. We hypothesize that pathological processes like head trauma and neurovascular disease alter the patterns of blood flow in the brain, resulting in distinguishable acoustic patterns (written by PI Ionita).
Source: Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) via the NIH CTSA UL1
Title: Assessing the Efficacy of Alterations in Subcortical-Cortical Functional Connectivity from Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Older Children after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Filip Stefanovic - Co-I
Budget: $54,380 USD (Award ID: PS-SALEEM under UL1TR001412)
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In this study, we aim to first determine the efficacy of tDCS in promoting recovery in older children (age range 10 to 17 years) with persistent symptoms of mTBI, and to test the use of neural correlates in providing insight into functional change and recovery. If the aims of this proposal are achieved, the role of tDCS in promoting neuroplasticity and recovery in children with mTBI will be established for the first time. Further, positive rs-fMRI outcomes will lay the basis for exploring neurophysiological response to treatment and recovery in even younger children with mTBI. This study’s results will open up future possibilities for restoring function in children at a single-subject level.