Development of protocols to assess neuroplasticity events taking place in the brain motor networks

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Corticospinal neurons are involved in muscle activity and are important contributors to movement production. They are contained within motor areas of the brain, which are also highly interconnected with each other at the cortical level. Whereas the role of the primary motor cortex (M1) has been studied for more than a century, the secondary motor areas have only recently been investigated; consequently, their roles in the production of movement are less well understood. This is partially because precise measure of brain interactions is difficult to achieve.******A better understanding of these interactions is particularly important since limited regeneration of brain tissue takes place in the adult brain. Consequently, during aging or in the presence of a pathology affecting the brain, the maintenance or recovery of motor functions is thought to be a consequence of the reorganization of interactions between elements within specific brain networks. Therefore, it is of vital importance to develop tools that will allow us to quantitatively identify interactions and changes within and between brain regions, and to assess their link with an individual's motor performance.******Recent advances in neuroimaging techniques have provided the means to investigate subtle changes occurring in brain networks under different conditions. In this research program, I propose using techniques such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electroencephalography (EEG) to study brain motor network organization, with a special emphasis on the roles played by the secondary motor areas. The main objective of this research program is to develop protocols that will allow me to quantitatively describe the interactions occurring within brain motor circuits. In particular, I will assess the precise role of the secondary motor areas in movement production and quantify the changes of these interactions during aging or the use of an intervention such as cardiovascular exercise or cortical stimulation. ******Ultimately, this my research program will contribute to the identification of robust and sensitive biomarkers of motor performance, which could ultimately guide personalized treatment strategies during healthy or pathological aging. The long-term goal of improving the maintenance of motor performance will strengthen Canada efforts in keeping its elderly population active and maximizing their well-being.