McMaster Human Neurophysiology & Imaging Lab

🎉 New Publication Alert! 💪🧠✨

Our latest paper, “Application of Class-Based EMG Biofeedback in Three Multiple Sclerosis Patients,” is now published in IEEE Xplore!

This study explores the feasibility of a class-based EMG biofeedback system designed to enhance motor training in individuals with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). Over a six-week intervention, participants engaged in customized EMG-driven exercises up to three times per week.

4 of 5 tailored interventions were successful, achieving classification accuracies above 95% and demonstrating stable biofeedback control throughout sessions. These findings show that EMG biofeedback is feasible and scalable for people with severe motor impairments, paving the way for larger trials on its therapeutic potential.

🔗 Read the full article for 6 months free (Open Access): https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11216096

Congratulations to Stephen L. Toepp, Martin V. Mohrenschildt, Jocelyn E. Harris, Suresh Menon, and Aimee J. Nelson on this contribution to rehabilitation research!

🎉 New Publication Alert! 🧠✨

Our latest paper, “Accelerated Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Combined with Balance Training Improves Balance in an Individual with Corticobasal Syndrome,” is now published in Movement Disorders Clinical Practice!

This study presents the first reported use of accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) in an individual with corticobasal syndrome (CBS). Over 14 days, aiTBS was paired with balance training to enhance motor learning and stability. The intervention led to an 88% increase in balance limits of stability, 26% reduction in fall risk, and clinically meaningful improvements in cognition and mood — all well tolerated and completed without adverse events.

These findings highlight the potential of aiTBS as a novel neurorehabilitation approach for Parkinson-plus disorders.

🔗 Read the full article (Open Access): https://doi.org/10.1002/mdc3.70213

👏 Congratulations to Karishma R. Ramdeo, Stevie D. Foglia, Malaikah Ahmad, Nafia Al-Mutawaly, Justin Lee, Robert Chen, and Aimee J. Nelson on this exciting work!

🎉 New Publication Alert! 🧠✨

Our latest paper, “Feasibility and Tolerability of Controllable Pulse Parameter Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: A Case Series Study,” is now published!

This case series is the first to apply controllable pulse parameter TMS (cTMS) in individuals with painful diabetic neuropathy (pDN). Across ten sessions, participants tolerated the stimulation without discomfort and showed improvements in pain, physical function, and quality of life.

🔗 Read the full article (Open Access): https://doi.org/10.2147/IMCRJ.S531201

👏 Congratulations to Jiyeon Park, Stevie D. Foglia, Chloe C. Drapeau, Perry V. Mayer, Harsha Shanthanna, and Aimee J. Nelson on this important contribution to chronic pain research!

Congratulations to Ava Bobinski on her successful masters thesis defence!

🎉 New Publication Alert! 💪🧠

Excited to share our latest study, Ipsilateral motor pathways related to proximal upper limb function in tetraplegia, now published in Clinical Neurophysiology (Vol. 177, Sept 2025).

This editorial reviews novel work exploring Ipsilateral motor pathways in people with tetraplagia and its relation to upper limb motor function.

🔗 Read the article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1388245725006327?via%3Dihub

Huge congratulations to the team: M. Hussain, S.D. Foglia, and A.J. Nelson!

Congratulations to Chloe Drapeau on her successful Master’s defence! 🥳

🎉 New Publication Alert! 🧠✨

Our latest study, Characterizing the neurophysiology of complex regional pain syndrome using transcranial magnetic stimulation, is now published in Clinical Neurophysiology! This work dives deep into the brain mechanisms behind CRPS and explores how TMS can help us better understand and treat chronic pain.

🔗 Read the article FREE for a limited time here: https://kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fauthors.elsevier.com%2Fa%2F1lWGE4xfebJD1s/1/01020198570a51d0-3dc800c0-f7c2-4612-be34-24b8cace25ed-000000/LFEtxVeY5S8BRNVPZZFavrhilwU=436

(Access available until Sept 17, 2025)

Congrats to the team! 🧠💡

Huge thanks to all of our amazing graduate students as they work hard to support one another in the lab.

We’re currently recruiting for the study seen here! See details in the previous post.

We’re looking for HEALTHY CONTROL participants to take part in a study running this summer and fall. If interested, reach out to [email protected]!

Participant Requirements:
- Ages 18-35
- Healthy

You will receive compensation at a rate of $20 /hour for an estimated 3 hours of your time.

We are looking for healthy controls for our fibromyalgia study, specifically women! This is one session which will be 3.5-4 hours at McMaster University. We are using various neurophysiological assessments to investigate the differences people with and without fibromyalgia. You will be compensated for your time!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Chloe Drapeau at [email protected]

Looking back at this year’s Made at Mac Entrepreneurship week. Congratulations to PhD Candidate Stevie Foglia for his win in the Postdoc Entrepreneurship Fellowship competition!

PhD Candidate Stevie Foglia was awarded the Postdoc Entrepreneur Fellowship yesterday for his project Augmented Reality Sensorimotor Training, a new innovative therapy for chronic pain management.