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Motor skill learning and intensive neurorehabilitation Lab (MSL-IN)

ions | Bruxelles Woluwe, Louvain-la-Neuve

Description

The Motor Skill Learning and Intensive Neurorehabilitation (MSL-IN) laboratory has been investigating the optimal parameters of intensive rehabilitation for brain-damaged patients for several years. 

Since 2011, our team has developed an innovative method combining upper and lower limb rehabilitation within the same window of opportunity: Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities (HABIT-ILE). This therapy is based on the principles of motor learning and has already demonstrated its ability to deliver significant functional improvements in children with cerebral palsy, linked to cortical reorganization processes that reflect the brain's ability to adapt and strengthen certain structures in response to stimuli.

Our main research projects aim to evaluate the effects of intensive interventions at different levels in various populations of individuals with brain lesions, and to define the optimal modalities of training. 

Assessment methods

  • Multidimensional approach combining functional assessments, advanced analyses of brain plasticity (MRI, DTI) and spinal cord plasticity, pain, muscle mass (ultrasound), cognitive and visual-spatial abilities, etc.

  • Creation and validation of questionnaires to assess activity and social participation.

Target populations

Our work focuses on intensive neurorehabilitation in pathologies resulting from cerebral lesions or alterations. 

To date, our research has focused on different populations:

  • Babies and children with cerebral palsy (CP)

  • Stroke patients

  • Patients with acquired/traumatic brain injuries

Current projects focus on adult patients with bilateral cerebral palsy. 

By combining clinical expertise and fundamental research, our laboratory aims to refine intensive rehabilitation protocols to optimize motor and functional recovery in adults with cerebral palsy.

MSL-IN video

Principal Investigator

Prof. Yannick BLEYENHEUFT, PT, PhD

Dr. Geoffroy SAUSSEZ, PT, PhD, invited professor

PhD students

Elisa Vancolen

Edouard Ducoffre

Enimie Herman

Zélie Rosselli

Merlin Somville

Nguyen Mai Ngoc Doan

Technician

Odile Coppieters 'T Wallant, lab manager

 

  • Columbia University, NY, USA 
  • University of Queensland, Australia
  • Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
  • CHU Brest, France 
  • Pisa University, Italy
  • University of Balearic Islands, Spain
  • Ho Chi Minh City University, Vietnam
  • Université de Parakou, Bénin

Influence of corticospinal re-organization on plastic changes during intensive training in children with CP

 

Changes in executive functions of children with CP after intensive motor interventions.

 

Functional, neuroplastic and biomechanical changes induced by early HABITILE in pre-school children 

 

Implementing virtual reality interfaces during intensive motor skill learning interventions

 

Investigating the changes in white matter microstructure in babies (6- 18 months) and adults with brain lesions after intensive interventions

 

Addressing Barriers to the Implementation of Intensive Functional Interventions in Children with Cerebral Palsy

 

Functional neurorehabilitation using intensive therapy and evaluation at home for children with bilateral cerebral palsy

 

Functional neurorehabilitation using intensive therapy and evaluation at home for adults with stroke

 

Measuring social participation and related factors in individuals with brain lesions

 

Effects of HABIT-ILE intensive therapy on muscle structure and function in children and adults with bilateral cerebral palsy

 

Arnould C, Paradis J, Penta M, Thonnard JL, Bleyenheuft Y. ABILHAND-kids young CP: a measure of manual ability in young children with cerebral palsy aged 2 to 7. J Rehabil Med. 2025 Aug 20;57:jrm42691. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v57.42691.

 

Astrid Carton de Tournai, PT; Enimie Herman, PT; Daniela Ebner-Karestinos, PhD; Estelle Gathy, PT; Rodrigo Araneda, PhD; Anne Renders, MD; Célia De Clerck, PT; Seyma Kilcioğlu, PT; Laurence Dricot, PhD; Benoit Macq, PhD; Yves Vandermeeren, PhD; Yannick Bleyenheuft, PhD. Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities in Infants With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open. 2024;7(11):e2445133. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.45133

 

Araneda R, Ebner-Karestinos D, Paradis J, Klöcker A, Saussez G, Demas J, Bailly R, Bouvier S, Carton de Tournai A, Herman E, Souki A, Le Gal G, Nowak E, Sizonenko SV, Newman CJ, Dinomais M, Riquelme I, Guzzetta A, Brochard S, Bleyenheuft Y. Changes Induced by Early Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities in Young Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Pediatr. 2024 Jan 1;178(1):19-28. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.4809.

 

Araneda R, Dricot L, Ebner-Karestinos D, Paradis J, Gordon AM, Friel KM, Bleyenheuft Y. Brain activation changes following motor training in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: An fMRI study. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2021 May;64(3):101502. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101502. Epub 2021 Mar 22

 

Bleyenheuft Y, Dricot L, Ebner-Karestinos D, Paradis J, Saussez G, Renders A, De Volder A, Araneda R, Gordon AM, Friel KM. Motor Skill Training May Restore Impaired Corticospinal Tract Fibers in Children With Cerebral Palsy. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2020 Jun;34(6):533-546.

 

Saussez G, Brandão MB, Gordon AM, Bleyenheuft Y. Including a Lower-Extremity Component during Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Training does not Attenuate Improvements of the Upper Extremities: A Retrospective Study of Randomized Trials. Front Neurol. 2017 Sep 26;8:495. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00495.

 

Bleyenheuft Y, Arnould C, Brandao MB, Bleyenheuft C, Gordon AM. Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremity (HABIT-ILE) in Children With Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2015 Aug;29(7):645-57. doi: 10.1177/1545968314562109.

 

Publications