Noninvasive modulation of cortical excitability and plasticity - Noninvasive neuromodulation of the CNS in the study of physiological mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment

Changes in excitability, synaptic activation, and plasticity of the central nervous system (CNS) are the supposed pathophysiological substrate of a number of pathological CNS conditions. Newly developed noninvasive neuromodulation methods (NNM) based on magnetic pulses and electric fields allow for selective and targeted transcranial modulation of neural circuits and systems relevant to the particular condition. The aim of the project is to explore various currently developed NNM protocols for functional evaluation and modulation of the CNS excitability and plasticity, as well as to study the interaction of NNM and various forms of training, physiotherapy and medication. Healthy subjects and patients with movement disorders, chronic pain, and chronic post stroke neurologic deficits will be studied. The physiology of the sensory-motor systems, the relationships with clinical and performance measures, and changes induced by application of various NNM will be examined. The results will: 1) improve understanding of the mechanisms of cortical excitability, activation and plasticity and their disorders; 2) better the understanding of the mechanisms of action of the NNM; 3) help to define the optimal parameters for the use of NNM in treatment, alone or as add-on enhancing and promoting other forms of treatment and sports training; 4) identify the physiological markers of residual plasticity in the patients for better selection of treatment (patient-tailored treatment).