Research Projects
These are the current research study projects running in our lab.
Research
Our Focus
Our lab focus includes exploring the pathophysiology of acquired brain injury through a variety of modalities including novel fluid biomarkers and imaging techniques. We explore rehabilitation needs innovative treatments and trajectory of recovery for patients with acquired brain injury and concussion.
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Transcranial magnetic stimulations
In partnership with the N3 initiative (non-invasive neurostimulation network) and Hotchkiss Brain Institute we utilize this cutting-edge technology to explore the pathophysiology brain injury, concussion and post-traumatic headache and treatment of post-concussion symptoms, post-traumatic stress injury and sequelae due to brain injury. Areas of interest include single pulse TMS, repetitive TMS and tDCS.
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Fluid biomarkers
Fluid biomarkers (urine, saliva, sweat and blood) collected acutely and chronically following brain injury can shed light into the neurophysiological changes that occur, providing an understanding of the disruption to normal brain physiology. Using a variety of techniques our lab explores alterations in hormones, stress markers and markers of central nervous system injury to following concussion and more severe brain injury.
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Clinical Outcomes
In partnership with the Brain and Mental Health Research Clinics, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary Brain Injury Program and the Clinical Research Unit we utilize large database sets to explore diagnostic tools, trajectory or recovery and a variety of outcomes measures following concussion and brain injury.
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Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is known to have many benefits. Our lab aims to explore the benefit of exercise in patients with concussion and brain injury as well as understand the pathophysiology of the brain with exercise.
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Neuroimaging
Utilizing a variety of modalities and in collaborations with neuroimaging lab through HBI, ACHRI and engineering we are able to explore functional neurophysiology of acquired brain injury and concussion.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of post-concussion syndrome
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 also assessing whether functional near-infrared spectroscopy, a neuroimaging technology, can be used to determine response to rTMS treatment.
RACE study
Rapid, accurate and cost-effective (RACE) analysis of blood biomarkers using a hand-held biosensor for patient with concussion in acute care. Patients presenting to the emergency department with acute concussion will provide blood for assessment of central nervous system injury for diagnosis and to understand the underlying pathophysiology. Biomarkers will be analyzed by a hand held biosensor device and compared to gold-standard analysis.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of post-traumatic stress injury in first responders
Treatment of post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). Patients presenting with persistent symptoms following concussion and PTSI will participate in a double-blinded randomized control trial of treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Outcomes measures include improvement in concussion and post-traumatic stress injury symptoms.
Cervicogenic headache study
The safety and feasibility of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with conservative treatment for cervicogenic headaches (CGH).
CGH is characterized by pain caused by disorder of the cervical spine and its anatomical structures. Current conservative treatments, including pharmaceuticals provide, small improvements. This study is a double blind, pilot randomized controlled design with participant and assessor blinding that will explore the benefit of transcranial magnetic stimulation (tDCS) a novel neuromodulation tool in conjunction with a focus rehabilitation protocol.
At-home Rehabilitation for Concussion research study
The ARC study is a multi-provincial study that is recruiting participants in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. This study evaluates and compares different behavioural intervention programs for concussion. Behavioural interventions involve active participation rather than medications or medical devices.
Project Title: Treatment of PTSD with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Canadian Male and Female Military Personnel. DND IDeAS Innovation for Defense Excellence and Security. Awarded December 2019-2021. (PI).
Project Title: Treatment of PTSD with transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Canadian Male and Female Military Personnel. DND IDeAS Innovation for Defense Excellence and Security. Awarded January 2019. (PI).
Project Title: Treatment of post-traumatic headache with rTMS in patients with post concussion syndrome. May 2017-19. Cumming School of Medicine Seed Grant Funding. (PI).
Project Title: Early Supported Discharge in Traumatic Brain Injury. January 2016-March 2017. Alberta Health Services Awarded. Value: (PI).
Project Title: Biomarkers, Robotics and Innovative Neuroimaging in sport concussion: The BRAIN study. September 2015-September 2019. (PI).
Project Title: Prognosticating in Sport Concussion: A Metabolomic Approach. Hotchkiss Brain Institute Pilot Funding Project. June 2015-2016. (PI).
Project Title: UCAN Study. A Novel Approach to Assessing Rehabilitation Recover. March 2015-Jan. 2019. Co-investigator.
Research Funding
We received funding from a variety of local, provincial, national and international agencies. These include the Provincial Government of Alberta, Canadian Department of National Defense, Canadian Institute of Health Research, New Frontier's in Research and New Foundation of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute.