Current Research
We have lots of different projects to get involved with!
Check the list with the project description and get in touch here if you would like more information or check the FAQs
We are always thrilled to help.
Current studies
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⊳Investigating neural noise variability before and after MNS in Tourette syndrome.
Summary: Tourette Syndrome has been associated with an increase in ‘noise’ in the motor system suggesting that it could be difficult to distinguish between voluntary movements and tics. In this study we will assess the variability of noise using a painless technique called OPM magnetoencephalography (MEG) to measure your brains responses to median nerve stimulation (MNS) on the wrist. MNS sends electrical pulses from the wrist to the brain which we can use to measure noise levels. We will stimulate your wrist with single pulses 75 times before 10 minutes of constant stimulation and then repeat the 75 pulses again after 10 to see the effects of MNS on noise reduction. Wrist stimulation is not painful, but if you find the procedure uncomfortable we will terminate the study immediately.
In total this study will last approximately 1 hour. You will be given an inconvenience allowance for your participation.
Requirements: Right-handed, no history of epilepsy, no implanted electronic devices. We are recruiting those who have not had MNS before.
Age range: 18+
Start date: Recruiting now!
Please fill in this form or contact James Kennaway (James.Kennaway@nottingham.ac.uk) for more information about booking a time.
⊳Investigating the effect of rhythmic 10Hz MNS on cortical inhibition in Tourette syndrome
Summary: In this study we are investigating the effects of rhythmic 10Hz median nerve stimulation (MNS) on the brains ability to inhibit responses. We will assess this using a safe non-invasive technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Specifically, we are using a TMS technique called short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) which gives us an indication of the brains inhibitory functioning within the motor cortex (the part of the brain which controls movement). We will first set up the MNS finding your threshold (a visible thumb twitch) and then using TMS we will locate the specific areas of your brain which control movement of the same hand the MNS is applied to. The experiment will contain 7 blocks alternating between SICI alone and combining MNS with SICI within the same block.
In total this study will last approximately 1.5 hours. You will be given an inconvenience allowance for your participation.
Requirements: Right-handed, no history of epilepsy, no implanted electronic devices. We are recruiting those who have not had MNS before.
Age range: 18+
Start date: Recruiting now!
Please fill in this form or contact James Kennaway (James.Kennaway@nottingham.ac.uk) for more information about booking a time.
