Joyce L. Chen

Biography

The PULSE lab aims to develop and validate novel therapeutic interventions that facilitate the recovery of arm and hand movements after stroke. One area of research focuses on the application of noninvasive brain stimulation, such as transcranial direct current stimulation, to augment recovery of movements. Transcranial direct current stimulation is a promising approach because it can prime brain cells, which may then enhance the brain’s capacity to relearn how to move again. A second area of research aims to understand how we can harness music to improve mood and movements after stroke. We listen to music because of the way it makes us feel—who has not had the urge to sway their hips when listening to a samba tune? Understanding the links between music, mood and movement may help us devise novel and fun interventions for stroke recovery. We use techniques that include behavioural testing, neuroimaging (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging) and noninvasive brain stimulation. These approaches allow us to understand better how a stroke has affected the brain’s capacity for recovery, to determine biomarkers that may predict recovery and to elucidate the neural mechanisms that might underlie recovery.

Research Interest

Motor stroke recovery, Motor skill learning, Music-supported rehabilitation, Neuroimaging, Brain stimulation.