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Research
NINE LAB's Research Interests
Recovery & Return to Society
NeuroEngineering
for Neurorehabilitation
NeuroImaging
for Diagnosis and Prognosis
Neurological Disorders
NeuroImaging for Diagnosis and Prognosis
Structural and functional systems of human brains have characteristics of complex networks. Numerous brain functions are associated with a specific brain region but are often generated by interactions among multiple brain regions. Although a brain's structure is damaged by focal neurological disease, this damage influences the functions of distant brain regions. The physiological influences of neurological disorders are better assessed over an entire network rather than the local site of damage.
In NINE LAB, neuroimaging, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), are used to understand the fundamental role of distributed neural networks, and to investigate brain network reorganization in patients with neurological disorders.
Using advanced neuroimaging-based approaches such as brain network analysis, graph theoretical approach, AI-based brain segmentation and lesion detection, we are developing models for predicting prognosis and functional recovery in patients with neurological disorders. This process involves exploring biomarkers related to significant functional recovery, and these biomarkers are important targets for neurorehabilitation.
NeuroEngineering for Neurorehabilitation
Neuroplasticity is a brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons in the brain to compensate for injury and to adjust their activities in response to environmental changes. This adaptive potential of the nervous system allows the brain to recover after disorders or injuries. Therefore, the successful neurorehabilitation of a patient with brain disorders generally depends on enhancing successful neuroplasticity during the recovery process.
Neuroengineering techniques are used for successful neurorehabilitation. To enhance neuroplasticity, central stimulation techniques along with existing peripheral stimulation techniques are used.
NINE LAB is developing central stimulation techniques, such as noninvasive brain stimulation, BCI-based neurofeedback, and so on, to improve functional recovery in brain disorders. Beyond technique development, we are considering how to apply a specific technique for each patient’s individual characteristics to establish personalized and effective therapeutic methods, and at this time, we decide strategy based on the information obtained from neuroimaging research.
