[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Winstein_Carolee.jpg” caption=”Carolee J. Winstein Photo credit: Deborah McIvor”]Carolee J. Winstein, a professor of biokinesiology and physical therapy at the University of Southern California (USC), will present a free, public lecture on some of the latest advances in stroke rehabilitation on Thursday, May 25 at 4:30 p.m. in room B102 of the Institute for Applied Health Sciences.

Winstein, a Dr. Harry Lyman Hooker Distinguished Visiting Scholar, will discuss research in the field of rehabilitation science that involves understanding how a healthy body learns new motor skills, and applying that knowledge to neurorehabilitation. Her lecture will highlight the evolution of motor skill as a framework for the pre-clinical and clinical trials research in which she is engaged.

Winstein, a physiotherapist who is also director of the Laboratory of Motor Behavior and Neurorehabilitation at USC, will visit McMaster as a guest of the School of Rehabilitation Science. She explains the field of rehabilitation science has only recently come into its own with the development of evidence-based approaches predicated on the idea that the brain has an inherent capability to restructure itself, especially if it is challenged in just the right way.

Using case examples of patients who have some paralysis on one side of the body as the result of a stroke, Winstein will underline how the understanding of some uniquely human cognitive functions can help develop more beneficial rehabilitation therapies for post-stroke paralysis. She will also discuss research that calls into question the scientific support for the “learned-non-use” component of post-stroke paralysis, and suggests instead that an alternative approach based on skill learning and the brain's ability to restructure itself will allow for optimal recovery of motor function.

The Harry Lyman Hooker Distinguished Visiting Scholar is an annual honour bestowed by McMaster University on highly accomplished academics who have made significant contributions to their field of study. Those chosen to deliver the lecture are selected based on the ability of their teaching and research to enhance academia in their area of expertise, as well as across the university in general. This is the first time the School of Rehabilitation Science has hosted the lecture, which is funded by the University through a bequeath from Dr. Harry Lyman Hooker. Hooker grew up in Hamilton before becoming a doctor in New York City. He left a multi-million dollar bequeath to McMaster upon his death in 1979.