Objective
Our brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life is a key mechanism that enables adjustments to novel situations, as well as compensation for nervous system injury. Reorganization following hand-amputation is a striking example of brain plasticity, yet both the full extent of such reorganization and its functional consequences remain unknown. In this proposed research project, two main questions will be addressed: a) To what extent does the human brain reorganize following hand amputation? b) What are the behavioural consequences of this reorganization, and its impact on rehabilitation? These questions will be tackled using a two-fold experimental approach: a) Identifying small-scale reorganization in the primary somatosensory cortex using sophisticated analytic methods and state-of-the-art ultra high-field imaging techniques, thus examining brain plasticity in humans from a perspective that has never been available before; and, b) Exploring the extent of large-scale cortical reorganization using a unique multisensory approach and whole-brain imaging techniques, thus examining new aspects of brain plasticity in amputees beyond the scope of the primary sensory brain areas. The imaging techniques will be complemented with a battery of behavioural tests, designed to identify the adaptive and maladaptive correlates of reorganization, and their impact on rehabilitation. By characterizing the full scope of brain reorganization following amputation (including reorganization associated with the remaining hand), and studying the behavioural changes that are associated with it, the proposed research is expected to shed new light on our understanding of the fundamental bases of brain organization and reorganization. Importantly, this will also allow us to better characterize the challenges that stand before amputees in their way towards rehabilitation, thus improving the medical care that is currently provided to them.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine physiotherapy
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.