Methods & Resources

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

The Institute for Human Neuroscience maintains a 3-Tesla Siemens Prisma MRI scanner. This research-dedicated scanner is equipped with 20-, 32-, and 64-channel head coils, as well as array of other coils for spinal cord imaging. The instrument is configured with multiband imaging capabilities for very fast imaging, many experimental, research-only sequences, and all commercial sequences currently offered by Siemens. These include numerous MRI sequences for advanced diffusion, spectroscopy, structural, and functional brain imaging. The system has the [204×64] XR 80/200 gradients, which are the most powerful commercially available gradients for any scanner. Finally, the Prisma MRI Suite is also equipped with the necessary peripherals to present experimental stimuli and acquire behavioral responses. This includes the BOLDScreen-32 (a 32” in-room LCD monitor for presenting stimuli), and multiple ergonomic subject response devices.

Mock MRI

The Institute for Human Neuroscience houses a mock MRI scanner (Psychological Software Tools, Pittsburgh PA) that can simulate the MRI scanning environment. This mock scanner is used to expose participants to the MRI environment, including the restrictive bore and loud noises, and helps reduce claustrophobia, anxiety, and body motion. The Institute’s mock scanner is equipped with multiple head coils, including one that is identical to the 32-channel Siemens coil that is frequently used with the Prisma. The mock scanner is equipped with loudspeakers to play pre-recorded ambient noise (e.g., cryogenic pump) that can be mixed with real gradient noises for specific sequences (e.g., EPI). Finally, the mock scanner is also configured with response devices (e.g., button boxes) identical to those used with the Prisma MRI system, which are interfaced with a stimulus presentation computer, head coil mirror, and a monitor located at the end of the mock bore. This allows Institute scientists to run pilot versions of their tasks prior to moving the participant into the real scanning environment, which is often helpful in pediatric and clinical populations where difficulties in understanding the task instructions are common.

Physical Therapy

The PoWER Lab is partnered with Boys Town National Research Hospital’s first physical therapy clinic, The Center for Human Performance Optimization, directed by Dr. Brad Corr. Here we explore physical therapy interventions and how they impact and change the brain and spinal cord dynamics. All our therapy is uniquely designed to provide participants the opportunity to explore movement in new or different ways. The clinic is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment designed specifically for individuals with mobility impairments, allowing freedom of movement while the therapist manipulates the environment to facilitate a just right challenge. This method ensures the patient initiates and drives learning and promotes the transfer of skills beyond the clinic walls.

This partnership allows for fully translational research that involves research scientists and clinicians working side-by-side. Normally, research like this takes 14 years to complete. Our approach towards rapid prototyping of intervention strategies allows for us to identify neuro-biomarkers associated with beneficial therapeutic outcomes, and to quickly port these treatment innovations to clinics across the United States. We are conducting physical therapy research in real time that is yielding meaningful results to participants, clinicians, and families. This embraces the Boys Town mission to change the way America cares for children and families.

Equipment

• Aretech ZeroG dynamic body weight support system

• Keeogo- Robotic Exoskeleton

• Split belt treadmill with zero entry

• ENLITEN, LLC Open Area Support System

• NuStep recumbent cross trainer

• Woodway CurveFTG manual treadmill

• Total Gym Encompass rehabilitation system

• Protokinetics ZenoWalkway digital gait mat

• Actigraph wearable IMU sensors

• PUSH Band Pro 2.0 wearable training tracker

Movement Physiology Lab

The Institute for Human Neuroscience maintains a state-of-the-art laboratory for the biomechanical assessment of human movement. Data collected with this equipment can inform clinicians and families on what therapeutic practices could be beneficial.  In turn, we hope to pinpoint personalized rehabilitative practices that will result in clinically significant improvements in the motor actions of those with developmental disabilities.

The 800 square-foot laboratory has a Bertec instrumented split-belt treadmill, which allows us to analyze and perturb the gait kinematics. The treadmill is unique in that it has force platforms under the respective belts that capture the forces applied by the legs to accelerate the center of mass during gait. The force profiles are subsequently used to quantify the changes in the spatiotemporal kinematics (i.e., step width, step length, double support time) and mechanical energy profiles. The treadmill is also used in conjunction with stimulators that can provide insights on the activity of the spinal cord, electromyographic sensors to assess changes in the muscular activity, and electroencephalographic (EEG) assessments of the brain activity during gait.

The lab also houses a KINARM endpoint robotic arm. This robotic system quantifies the force production, movement trajectory, sensory perceptions and cognitive-motor decisions. The technology allows us to study how individuals adapt and learn to produce motor actions. This system is fully integrated with equipment that is used to assess the upper extremity muscular activity and EEG assessments of the brain activity.