Measuring motor-training induced neuroplasticity using diffusion and functional MRI: a sensitive, pathology-robust approach [thesis]

Lee Bremner Reid
Brain injury constitutes a significant health burden worldwide, and outcomes are generally poor. To improve treatment, we must better understand how injury affects brain function, how the brain responds to learning pressures (neuroplasticity), and the interaction between the two. This is difficult, however, because of current technological shortcomings. This thesis focusses on the measurement of neuroplasticity in response to motor training in situations such as rehabilitation following brain
more » ... jury. Although the principles and methods discussed generalise to many forms of brain pathology, discussion is generally focussed on unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) because altered brain-development in UCP makes analyses particularly difficult. This begins with a literature review (Chapter 2) that outlines UCP, rehabilitative approaches,
doi:10.14264/uql.2017.797 fatcat:h5s5vn3v25fcvp4ocsngz4w6za