Vestibulospinal Reflexes and Spasticity Modulation in Upper and Lower Limb Muscles: Insights into Abnormal Muscle Activation

A diagram showing vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), which are recorded from one arm at a time while the participant maintains a steady isometric contraction in the target muscle. Sound stimuli (500 Hz tone bursts at 120 dB pSPL) are delivered through an earphone on the same side as the tested arm (ipsilateral stimulation).

Investigate how vestibulospinal pathways contribute to spasticity and abnormal muscle co-activation after stroke, and advance our understanding of brainstem circuit mechanisms underlying motor impairment. 

Project description

It has been proposed that brainstem pathways change after stroke, where changes in reticulospinal pathways may contribute to abnormal muscle co-activation. However, vestibulospinal pathways -historically related to gaze and posture- are also altered in upper and lower limb muscles with large spasticity. Thus, this project aims to quantify the contribution of vestibulospinal reflexes in spastic muscles and its contribution to abnormal muscle coactivation. 

Project outcome

Outcomes will include objective biomarkers of brainstem circuit dysfunction, high-quality datasets suitable for peer-reviewed publication, and foundational pilot data to support future extramural grant applications (e.g., NIH R-level mechanisms focused on circuit-specific rehabilitation). Ultimately, the project will inform the development of targeted neuromodulatory interventions aimed at improving motor control and functional recovery in stroke survivors. 

Learning outcomes

This project will generate novel neurophysiological evidence quantifying the contribution of vestibulospinal reflex pathways to spasticity and abnormal muscle co-activation in individuals after stroke. The findings will clarify whether altered vestibulospinal excitability is a key driver of maladaptive muscle coupling in both upper and lower limb muscles. 

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 Individual student project 
Benefits Potential work study
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

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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

stroke rehabilitation, vestibulospinal reflex, spasticity, motor control, neurophysiology, neuromodulation, rehabilitation science, physical therapy, kinesiology