Restorative Neurology

Research Focus

Led by Clinical Professor Soumya Ghosh and Professor Frank Mastaglia AM our Restorative Neurology Group’s research is multidisciplinary and uses state-of-the-art methodologies, including balance assessment and therapy, pulmonary function and therapy and non-invasive brain stimulation. As recovery from neural injury is thought to occur through processes of ‘relearning’ and ‘neuroplasticity’, newer techniques are being increasingly trialled to hasten this relearning process and improve outcomes.

The group uses non-invasive brain stimulation to study the pathophysiology of cerebral dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). In clinical trials, our team investigates the use of new therapeutic options provided by non-invasive brain stimulation in neurological disorders and investigate the neural mechanisms of physical therapy in promoting neuroplasticity. We are currently investigating cortical reorganisation in MS and the use of non-invasive brain stimulation to promote neuroplasticity and as a potential biomarker in MS.

We investigate the pulmonary function and the effects of respiratory muscle strength training in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Current studies are focusing on identifying determinants of pulmonary dysfunction in PD and its effects on balance and exercise, speech and swallowing, and sleep in PD.  The effects of inspiratory muscle training in improving pulmonary function and balance are being studied in a randomised controlled trial. To maintain quality patient and control data our team are creating a Parkinson’s biobank and Parkinson’s Diseases Registry for future researchers and research methods.