Main Body

Investigators and Program Directors

Research Interests

The primary interest of our laboratory is in development and use of a new model for defining the substrates of vertebrate learning. Our studies have demonstrated operant conditioning of the simplest behavior of the vertebrate CNS, the H-reflex, which is the electrical analog of the spinal stretch reflex. The responsible plasticity is in the spinal cord, so that H-reflex conditioning is a good model for studying the processes underlying a learned change in behavior. In addition, it is the basis for a new therapeutic approach to spasticity and other forms of abnormal reflex function. Our present goals are to define the spinal cord plasticity associated with H-reflex conditioning both physiologically and anatomically, and to determine how supraspinal control produces this plasticity.

In addition, in recent years we have begun to develop a new augmentative communication technology for people who are totally paralyzed or have other severe movement disorders. Individuals learn to control components of electroencephalographic (EEG) activity recorded from the scalp and to use that control to direct movement of a cursor on a computer screen. Accurate one-and two-dimensional control have been achieved and three-dimensional control is under development.

We are also providing this new communication technology to people who are severely disabled and assessing its effects on their quality of life.

Related Links

• National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Features Wadsworth Brain-Computer Interface

Contact Information

E-mail: wolpaw@wadsworth.org .