Research Project Doctoral Candidate 05

Neurological factors challenging bimanual motor control and learning in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (uCP)

The doctoral project will focus on an advanced understanding of bimanual motor control and learning in children with unilateral Cerebral Palsy (uCP), contributing to tailor-made intervention programs. The aims are 1) to improve our current understanding of bimanual motor control and learning in children with uCP by focusing on an in-depth quantification using innovative robotic (Kinarm) and instrumented assessments with special focus on the structure of variability at a sensorimotor behaviour level; 2) to examine the role of neurological factors challenging bimanual motor control and learning in children with uCP. Specifically, to investigate in how far deficits in bimanual motor control depend on corpus callosum integrity, the type of the CST wiring pattern, mirror movements and the integrity of the sensory systems; 3) to investigate how neurological factors predict variability in treatment response following a sensorimotor programme to improve bimanual motor control and learning. Hereto, we will implement behavioral assessments, diffusion MRI and Transcranial Magnetic stimulation.

 

Host Institution

KU Leuven, Research Group for Neurorehabilitation & Cerebral Palsy Reference Center

Hasselt University

 

Supervisors

Prof. Dr. Hilde Feys and Dr. Lisa Mailleux (KU Leuven)

Prof. Dr. Katrijn Klingels (Hasselt University)

 

Planned Secondments

King's College London

Hasselt University