Occupational Therapy.

Temple Neuromuscular Function Lab

Temple Neuromuscular Function Lab

Mission Statement & Goals

The Temple Neuromuscular Function Lab is an applied research site dedicated to the study of neuromuscular function and processes with the use of non-invasive physiological assessment techniques. Specific areas of focus include the study of muscle metabolism and fatigue using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS); research on peripheral and central nervous system responses to sensory stimuli associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Sensory Defensiveness/Sensory Integration Disorders; and research on the neurophysiological substrates of specific cognitive abilities using electroencephalography (EEG).  

Researchers & Affiliations

Neuromuscular Function Lab Researchers

Moya Kinnealy, Ph.D.

   Chair, Temple University Department of Occupational Therapy

Sinclair Smith, Sc.D.

    Director, Temple Neuromuscular Function Lab

    Assistant Professor, Temple University, Occupational Therapy

Research Methods & Techniques

Electrophysiological Measures

Electrophysiological measures that are routinely used in research at the Neuromuscular Function Lab include:

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

NMRI

Somatosensory Evoked Potentials

A somatosensory evoked potential is a change in the electrical activity in the nervous system in response to some stimulation targeting the somatic (sense of touch) sensory system. Consistent with current research, The type of stimulation employed by the Temple Neuromuscular Function Lab is an electrical square-wave pulse administered to the right median at the wrist. Electrical activity is recorded in the peripheral nervous system (Right Erb’s – Left Erb’s), central nervous system (5th cervical spine – Fz), areas providing an index of corticothalamic activity (C3’-Erb’s Point), and Cortex (C3’-Fz). 1000 epochs of data are averaged at each recording site to calculate somatosensory evoked potential amplitudes.

Electroencephalography

Electroencephalography or EEG is a method of measuring cortical inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic potentials with surface electrodes placed on the scalp. The Temple Neuromuscular Function Lab records EEG data with a 16 channel Mindset electroencephalograph (EEG) system (Nolan Computer Systems, Conifer, CO) with an electro-cap (Electro-Cap International, Eaton, OH) configured in the standard International 10-20 montage.

Current Areas of Research

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

NIRS and NMRI Muscle Metabolism 

Sensory Integration and Deep Pressure Research