# The Effects of Obesity on Limiting Brain Health and Stroke Recovery

> **NIH NIH K00** · MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · 2024 · $96,392

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
After a stroke, walking ability can be compromised, which can lead to reduced quality of life and decreased ability to
perform activities of daily living. Post-stroke walking recovery is mediated by nervous system reorganization (e.g.,
neuroplasticity), however our understanding of these processes related to improvements in walking function are
limited due to the neurophysiological complexity of walking itself. Additionally, current practices of assessing stroke-
impacted neuroplasticity are heavily focused on the motor system. Of keen interest is the integration of sensory and
motor systems (e.g., sensorimotor integration-SMI), which are necessary for initiating, sustaining, and coordinating
walking while providing continuous feedback on body state and actions. Additionally, impaired sensation post-stroke
can lead to lower extremity dysfunction, balance problems, and falls, highlighting the need to investigate the effects
of stroke on SMI in relation to walking function and recovery. Given the importance of SMI in walking, the capacity for
these sensorimotor networks to exibit plastic changes may be a crucial mediator for improvements in walking
funciton, thus necessitating relevant methods of assaying sensorimotor plasticity. To address this gap in knowledge,
in the F99 Phase (Aim 1) I will characterize lower extremity sensorimotor plasticity in individuals post-stroke. I will
specifically target the connections between the primary sensory cortex (S1) and and the primary motor cortex (M1)
using paired associative stimulation (PAS), a novel method of assaying sensorimotor plasticity. PAS is based on the
Hebbian principle of associative plasticity, in that repetitive stimulation of pre- and post-synaptic neurons within S1
and M1 leads to increased synaptic efficacy, evidenced by rapid and long-lasting increases in transcranial magnetic
stimulation-induced muscle responses, or motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude. We intend to account for
individual differences in SMI by adjusting the timing between stimuli, and measuring the time it takes the electrical
stimulation to reach S1, via somatosensory evoked potentials. Changes in MEP amplitude following PAS are thought
to reflect the induced associative plasticity between S1 and M1, and are shown to be reflective of upper extremity
function, with limited work done in the lower extremities. Therefore, we hypothesize that individualized PAS protocols,
will facilitate increases in MEP amplitude, and changes will be associated with clinical measures of walking function.
In the K00 Phase (Aim 2), I will pursue advanced training in post-stroke sensory and motor reorganization via multi-
modal techniques to understand walking and balance recovery. I will seek out postdoctoral mentorship that will allow
me to build on my predoctoral work by acquiring advanced electrophysiological and neuroimaging skills. I will also
focus on individualized assessments and the identification of mecha...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10973712
- **Project number:** 4K00NS135810-02
- **Recipient organization:** MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
- **Principal Investigator:** Jasmine Jamilah Cash
- **Activity code:** K00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $96,392
- **Award type:** 4N
- **Project period:** 2023-09-07 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10973712

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10973712, The Effects of Obesity on Limiting Brain Health and Stroke Recovery (4K00NS135810-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10973712. Licensed CC0.

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