# Cortical connectivity during functional balance reactions in stroke survivors

> **NIH NIH F32** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $67,446

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Impaired responsiveness to external balance perturbations is a primary cause for falls and decreased mobility
after stroke, limiting function and independence of stroke survivors. The neural mechanisms underlying the
control and recovery of balance are poorly understood, contributing to the lack of current treatment
effectiveness to prevent falls and restore mobility after stroke. There is now evidence that the cerebral cortex
plays an active and important functional role in the control of human balance. The strength of neural
connectivity between motor cortical regions and between the motor cortex and extremity muscles is critical to
motor function and behavior. Interestingly, preliminary data from our lab showed abnormally increased
interhemispheric connectivity between the lesioned and nonlesioned lower extremity motor cortical regions
after stroke. Additionally, my dissertation work found that asymmetry of corticomotor connectivity to paretic and
nonparetic lower limb muscles was exacerbated during muscle activity and associated with poor post-stroke
walking function. However, these studies were performed during simple isolated muscle contractions in a
seated position. There remains a gap in our understanding of how these cortical mechanisms contribute to the
performance of critical functional tasks such as walking or balance after stroke. In this project, we propose to
characterize the mechanisms of lower extremity motor control by investigating interhemispheric neural
connectivity and the neural connectivity between the motor cortex and lower extremity muscles during reactive
balance responses in stroke survivors using electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG).
Characterizing the neurobiological underpinnings of lower extremity motor control is critical to our
understanding of mechanisms limiting balance recovery following stroke. My long-term goal is to develop better
evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation strategies that target patient-specific neurophysiologic deficits,
prevent falls, and maximize post-stroke functional mobility and independence. Towards my long-term goal, the
overall purpose of the proposed project is to: 1) determine whether interhemispheric connectivity between the
lesioned and nonlesioned primary motor cortex is abnormal during balance reactions and associated with
balance function in stroke survivors and 2) evaluate if corticomuscular connectivity is abnormal during a
functional balance task and associated with balance function in stroke survivors.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9852887
- **Project number:** 5F32HD096816-02
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jacqueline A Palmer
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $67,446
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-02-19 → 2021-09-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9852887

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9852887, Cortical connectivity during functional balance reactions in stroke survivors (5F32HD096816-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9852887. Licensed CC0.

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