Research Participants

Our current studies looking for volunteers to join!

TMS and fNIRS study

Treatment of Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy as a Biomarker of Response)

We are conducting a study on the use of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive neuromodulation approach, as a treatment for persistent post-concussion symptoms. We are assessing whether functional near-infrared spectroscopy, a neuroimaging technology, can determine response to rTMS treatment.

We are looking for adult volunteers experiencing post-concussion symptoms 3-months to 5-years post injury to participate in a 4-week long rTMS treatment protocol at Foothills Medical Center (Monday-Friday, 20 sessions total). Assessments include four questionnaire sessions and four fNIRS sessions. Assessments will be scheduled for pre-TMS, post-TMS, 1-month post-TMS, and 3-months post-TMS.

At-home Rehabilitation for Concussion research study

A research team, led by principal investigators Chantel Debert at the University of Calgary and Noah Silverberg at the University of British Columbia, is studying which kinds of behavioural interventions may help people get better after concussion. The goal of this research study is to evaluate and compare different behavioural intervention programs for concussion. Each program will last 12 weeks and will be delivered remotely, meaning you can participate from your own home, using your smartphone or computer.

We are recruiting adults between 18-70 years old who sustained a concussion between 1 and 24 months ago.

Cervicogenic headache study

Our study is a 6 week program for individuals suffering from chronic cervicogenic headaches. We combine physiotherapy and a novel neuromodulation approach called transcranial direct current stimulation in an effort to improve pain function.

We are looking for individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 with chronic cervicogenic headaches diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Individuals must also be willing to undergo physiotherapy including at home exercise protocols.

Rapid Accurate and Cost-Effective analysis of blood biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of concussion. Our study is focused on the analysis of blood biomarkers using a hand-held biosensor for patients with concussion during acute care. Biomarkers will be analyzed by a hand-held biosensor device and compared to gold-standard analysis. We will provide patients with concussion education resources and aim to identify prognostic indicators of concussion recovery.

We are recruiting individuals presenting to the Foothills Medical Centre Emergency Department between 18 and 65 years old within 2 weeks of sustaining a concussion. Patients will provide blood for assessment of biomarkers for concussion diagnosis and prognosis. Follow-up assessments include repeat blood draws and questionnaire measures to evaluate recovery.