Neurological Physical Therapy Laboratory (LaFiN)

Lab coordinator: Thiago Luiz de Russo, Ph.D.

The LaFiN conducts clinical and basic research, focusing on the mechanisms of adaptation and sensorimotor and cardiorespiratory recovery after Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA). We are interested in investigating upper limb recovery, the relationship between arterial dysfunction and sedentary behavior, changes in intracranial compliance and cortical electrical pattern, and identification of molecular biomarkers after stroke. We also seek to understand the mechanisms of action of constraint-induced therapy and aerobic training in people with stroke. As a complementary line of research, we developed studies regarding non-invasive monitoring of intracranial compliance in collaboration with the private company Brain4Care. International collaborations have been established with several universities (e.g., Harvard University, University of Delaware, University of Leuven, La Trobe Univesity, Univerisity of Illinois Chicago, University of Santander). National collaborations have also been established with the Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), etc.

Infrastructure: research projects developed at LaFiN use the DFisio/UFSCar multi-user infrastructure, Movement Analysis Center (NAM), Isokinetic Dynamometry Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Histology Laboratory, and Physical Exercise Research Center (NUPEF)/Cardiovascular Physical Therapy Laboratory (LFCV)/Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Laboratory (LACAP). LaFiN is equipped with portable doppler ultrasound, activity monitors, cryostat, -80°C freezer, and others.

@lafin_ufscar