Neuroplasticity Brain Study

Understanding Neuroplasticity in Burn Injury Recovery

Burn injury is likely to drive changes in the brain, known as neuroplasticity, but we do not know if neuroplasticity following burn injury is functionally beneficial or maladaptive. If we can harness beneficial neuroplasticity, we can develop interventions to target the brain and enhance patient outcomes following burn injury.

A Message from Professor Fiona Wood

Learn about the groundbreaking research on neuroplasticity following burn injuries from Professor Fiona Wood. Watch the informative video below to understand how this study could redefine burn injury treatment and recovery.

• Click here to hear from Fiona 

Study Overview

1. Intervention Study

Objective: Examine if non-invasive brain stimulation can improve functional outcomes.

Requirements: Participation in five 45-minute sessions for brain targeting and three 2-hour sessions for measuring brain activity, movement control, and sensation.

2. Tracking Study

Objective: Track brain activity and recovery progression.

Requirements: Three 2-hour sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, measuring brain activity, movement control, and sensation. Sessions align with clinical follow-ups.

3. Persistent Changes Study

Objective: Assess long-term effects of burn injuries.

Requirements: One initial 2-hour session and a potential follow-up a year later to measure brain activity, movement control, and sensation. Focus on patients 1-5 years post initial burn.

Participation Information 

Study group one: Uninjured Cohort

We are seeking participants who have not experienced a burn injury to help us understand baseline brain activity and function. By comparing your data with those from the burn injury cohort, we aim to identify the specific changes that occur due to burn injuries. Currently, we have a particular need for females aged 40 and above to join the study, and your involvement will greatly contribute to this important research.

Study group 2: burn injury cohort

We are inviting adults who have sustained a burn injury to take part in our study. Your participation will help us explore how burn injuries affect brain function and recovery. By tracking your brain activity over time, we aim to harness neuroplasticity to develop new treatments that improve recovery outcomes for burn survivors.

Frequently asked questions

For comprehensive details about the study and participant involvement, please review our factsheet. It answers the most frequently asked questions and offers in-depth insights. You can access the PDF by clicking here.  

Watch the Information Video 

For a more detailed overview of these studies, please watch this video by our research team.

• Click here to watch Neuroplasticity Brain Study - Information Video   

Contact the Research Team

Contact the research team for more information or to express your interest:

• Phone: 0424 206 818
• Email: FSH.BurnResearch@health.wa.gov.au

^{This study has been approved by the SMHS Ethics committee RGS0000004279}