NeuroRecovery Research Hub
Welcome to the NeuroRecovery Research Hub, a new research facility led by Professor Sylvia Gustin at the University of New South Wales in Australia. This Hub is dedicated to the exploration of reprogramming the brain to achieve optimal operating systems in the body using cutting-edge science research methods and novel brain technology-based interventions.
We are an innovative science team focused on three key areas of research:
1. Spinal Cord Injury Research.
2. Chronic Pain Reset.
3. Mental Health Management.
Says Professor Sylvia Gustin, "I believe that our brain is an extraordinary organ and that we may be able to retrain our brain to recover from spinal and mental health issues and chronic pain. I believe that if we can change the function of the brain, we may be able to help it heal and change these circumstances".
Find out more about the background to our research and the details of our current and upcoming clinical trials.
Global AVATAR Project – novel VR technology-based program
The NeuroRecovery Research Hub is working in partnership with NSW Health and Immersive Experience Laboratories in America to trial an innovative program that has been in development over the last three (3) years called The Avatar Program. Research has shown that 50% of complete spinal cord injury people who cannot feel, still have messages going through to the brain. The program aims to retrain the brain to identify, understand and act to messages being received. Find out more.
The Avatar Project
Clinical Trials
Over the next five (5) years The NeuroRecovery Research hub is running clinical trials in collaboration with the US Dep. of Defence spinal cord injury program, Wings for Life, NHMRC (National Health Medical Research Council), MRFF (Medical Research Future Fund), and NSW Health to support innovation in neurorecovery research.
Currently recruiting for:
1. Neuroplasticity after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) study to determine whether neuroplasticity occurs differently in individuals with a spinal cord injury compared to individuals who don’t have a spinal cord injury.
2. Restore: Immersive Haptic Virtual Reality Treatment for Restoring Touch Perception in People with Dis-complete Paraplegia
3. T- Restore: Immersive Haptic Virtual Reality Treatment combined with spinal transcutaneous stimulation for restoring touch perception in people with dis-complete Paraplegia
4. StoPain: Brain- Computer Interface Neuromodulative Intervention for Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury
5.Pain and Emotion Therapy Trial
Online and web-based skills training to help people cope with the emotional aspect of chronic pain. This is run over a nine (9) week period.
Recruitment completed:
1. Virtual Reality Walking Trial (VRWalk trial) for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain following Spinal Cord Injury
