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.
A randomized double blinded controlled trial for the treatment of persistent post-concussion symptoms with psilocybin assisted therapy
A safety and feasibility trial :This Phase 1 clinical trial evaluates the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy in adults with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Participants receive either a single high-dose or single low-dose of psilocybin, combined with five sessions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The study aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this intervention, as well as its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms such as cognitive challenges, anxiety, depression, headaches, and quality of life.
RAPID Concussion Study
The Ready Assessment of Prognostic Indicators and Diagnostics (RAPID) Concussion Study is focused on the analysis of blood biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of concussion in the emergency department. Biomarkers will be analyzed by a hand-held biosensor device and compared to gold-standard analysis to examine their utility both diagnostically and prognostically. We will provide patients with concussion education resources and aim to identify prognostic indicators of concussion recovery.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Trial
This Phase 2 clinical trial investigates the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treating PTSD in survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Participants receive either a single high-dose or single low-dose of psilocybin, combined with five sessions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The study focuses on improving PTSD symptoms in survivors of IPV, while also assessing outcomes such as depression, anxiety, cognitive flexibility, and quality of life. Conducted at the University of Calgary, Vancouver Island University, and the University of British Columbia, this research aims to explore psilocybin as a novel therapeutic intervention for trauma-related disorders.
The Growth Hormone Deficiency Observational Trial
The Growth Hormone Deficiency Observational Trial investigates the Quality of Life in Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Assessment (QoL-AGHDA) as a screening tool for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in patients with mild traumatic brain injury, as the current gold standard test for GHD is resource-intensive and limited by accessibility. The study aims to determine whether QoL-AGHDA scores can predict GHD and assess its utility in evaluating treatment efficacy.
Imaging for TBI Study
This study looking to improve how we provide information on imaging for survivors of concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and their loved ones or carers, as well as health care, legal and insurance professionals.
Pathophysiology of Post-traumatic Headache Study
Headache is the most-common persisting symptom after concussion and unfortunately, it can be very difficult to treat. This study will use a type of neuroimaging called magnetic resonance spectroscopy, blood biomarkers and clinical questionnaires to better understand chronic headache following concussion.
Evaluating clinical predictors for return to work following acute concussion study
As part of the RAPID Concussion study, patients presenting to the emergency department with acute concussion will provide blood for assessment. Subsequent follow-up appointments will track patients throughout their recovery to identify clinical predictors of a prolonged return to work following concussion. Information on the patient’s return-to-work experience, work ability post-injury, and job demands (physical and cognitive) will be collected.
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.