Understanding how the brain controls movement and actions.
Brainwide Computations Underlying Future Action Plans
This study is looking at how the brain helps us move by combining what we see, remember, and feel, and it aims to understand why some brain injuries cause lasting movement problems, which could help improve recovery options for people with movement issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11072033 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how neural circuits in the brain integrate sensory information, memories, and internal states to produce movements. It explores how different brain pathways coordinate their activity during actions, such as moving in response to a stimulus or recalling a past experience. By examining the complexity of motor neuron inputs and their interactions, the research aims to uncover why some brain injuries lead to permanent movement deficits while others do not. This could provide insights into potential rehabilitation strategies for individuals with movement-related neurological conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with acquired brain injuries or neurological conditions affecting movement, such as ALS or stroke survivors.
Not a fit: Patients with purely psychological conditions or those without any movement-related neurological impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and rehabilitation strategies for patients with movement disorders resulting from brain injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding neural circuits related to movement, but this specific approach to integrating sensory and internal state information is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Machado, Timothy Aloysius — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Machado, Timothy Aloysius
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.