sleep
2023.01.04
Reconfigurations in Large-Scale Brain Networks
RESEARCH GROUP
Motor Control and Neuroplasticity
Our research focuses on the neural mechanisms that underly human motor control, motor learning and neuroplasticity.
One of the most fundamental roles of the brain is to plan, control and execute voluntary movement. Humans can keep on acquiring and refining motor skills throughout life by repetitive practice. Practice does not only improve performance in the practiced skill, but it also physically changes the brain.
This process is known as neuroplasticity and describes the ability of the nervous system to reorganize based on experience. Neuroplasticity can be traced on all organizational levels of the Central Nervous System: from morphologic changes of individual neurons to global activity and connectivity patterns across the brain.
We are especially interested in:
- changes in motor performance throughout the lifespan
- neuroplasticity related to motor skills and expert performance
- the impact of interventions like physical activity, sleep, and diet on brain networks, mood control and cognition
Our methods include:
- Measurements of motor performance and neuropsychological tests
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (f)MRI)
- Electroencehalography (EEG)
- Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Techniques incl. TMS, tDCS, tACS etc.
- Electromyography (EMG)
The purpose of the YourGutBrain project is to investigate whether intake of fermented dairy in comparison with non-fermented dairy increases weekly bowel movements and concordantly improves cognitive performance. This will be investigated through a dietary intervention study including healthy women with few bowel movements per week.
A wide range of measures related to the gut and the brain will be assessed upon consumption of fermented dairy and non-fermented dairy, respectively. Together, this will provide insights into whether fermented dairy can affect bowel habits and cognition, as well as potential underlying mechanisms linking the gut and the brain.
Collaborators
- Associate Professor Henrik Roager, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Professor Hanne Christine Bertram, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Denmark.
- Professor Paul Cotter, APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland.
Funding
- Arla Food for Health (AFH). AFH is a public-private research partnership between University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Arla Foods Amba and Arla Foods Ingredients
Period: 2023-2027
Contact
Associate Professor Anke Karabanov
Secleted publications
Hebbian priming of human spinal motor learning (2023)
Effects of Electrical Brain Stimulation on Motor Learning (2023)
Dynamic involvement of premotor and supplementary motor areas in bimanual pinch force control (2022)
Cortical signatures of precision grip force control in children, adolescents, and adults (2021)
Members of research group
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andreas Wulff-Abramsson | Special Consultant | +4535336361 | |
| Anke Ninija Karabanov | Associate Professor | +4535328039 | |
| August Lomholt Nielsen | PhD Fellow | +4535324879 | |
| Jacob Feder Piil | Special Consultant | ||
| Jesper Lundbye-Jensen | Associate Professor, Head of Section | +4535327330 | |
| Jonas Rud Bjørndal | PhD Fellow | +4535321587 | |
| Lasse Jespersen | PhD Fellow | +4535326133 | |
| Louise Mejer | Teaching Assistant | ||
| Magnus Kjær Broløs | Laboratory Assistant | +4535333182 | |
| Mikael Novén | Postdoc | +4535333776 | |
| Peter Christian Raffalt | Associate Professor | ||
| Rasmus Dam Wiedemann | Teaching Assistant |
PhD fellow Keenie Ayla Andersen, kaa@nexs.ku.dk
Master student Ditte Haagerup
Master student Hjalte Riis
Master student Louise Mejer
Master student Mads Fredrik Markersen
Master student Magnus Ask Røgilds
Master student Magnus K Broløs