How the Central Nervous System and Body Work Together: Studying Arm Movement and Balance in Aging and Stroke

Together, these figures represent the connection between brain function, muscle activation, and real-world movement, highlighting the focus of this project: understanding how neural circuits shape arm function and balance across aging and stroke.

Interested in how the nervous system shapes movement and balance? Join us to study real-time brain–muscle interactions in aging and stroke. 

Project description

Many people after stroke, and even healthy older adults, experience changes in strength, coordination, and balance. However, we still do not fully understand how changes in neural reflex pathways contribute to these motor difficulties. By linking neural signals to real movement patterns, this project aims to uncover the mechanisms behind impaired upper limb coordination and postural control, helping to inform more targeted rehabilitation approaches.

This project combines neurophysiology and biomechanics to understand how the nervous system controls arm movement and balance in older adults and stroke survivors. We use non-invasive techniques (EMG, reflex testing, and motion analysis) to measure how brainstem and spinal circuits influence muscle activation, coordination, and stability during simple arm and balance tasks. 

Project outcome

The project will generate pilot data, student presentations, and peer-reviewed publications aimed at improving rehabilitation strategies for older adults and stroke survivors. 

Learning outcomes

Students will contribute to collecting and analyzing EMG, reflex, and motion capture data while gaining hands-on experience in human neuroscience research. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment To be determined by student and mentor
Start time Anytime 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person 
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students)
Benefits Research experience
Who is eligible All undergraduate students 

Core partners

  • UB Rehabilitation Science Department 

Project mentor

Cristian Cuadra

Assistant Professsor

Rehabilitation Science

Phone: (716) 829-5444

Email: ccuadra@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
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Preparation activities

The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.

Keywords

rehabilitation science, neurology, neurophysiology, physical therapy, kinesiology, stroke rehabilitation, neuromodulation, aging