Research Interests
The Cognitive Motor Control Laboratory investigates the neurophysiological foundations of skilled upper extremity function to advance both clinical practice and public health outcomes. Using cutting-edge neuroimaging, we identify anatomical and physiological circuits that enable effective human-object interactions, providing a scientific basis for rehabilitation strategies. Our clinical research focuses on stroke and upper limb amputation, examining how neural injury disrupts motor control and how surrogate circuits can be harnessed for restorative therapies. By translating these findings into evidence-based interventions, we aim to inform healthcare policy and rehabilitation guidelines that improve access, equity, and quality of care. Our work emphasizes health equity and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that innovative motor recovery approaches are scalable and sustainable across diverse populations and healthcare systems.
Research Opportunities
We regularly host undergraduate or graduate students interested in understanding neurorehabilitation of upper limb motor control. Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Wheaton about research opportunities in the lab.
Current Research Topics
Neurorehabilitation in upper limb amputation
Understanding mechanisms of action observation therapy in stroke
Neuroplasticity in motor learning
Recent Publications
Publication Abstracts, Google Scholar
Topping KY, Natraj N, Temples D, Atawala N, Gale MK, Wheaton LA. Flexible constraint hierarchy during the visual encoding of tool-object interactions. European Journal of Neuroscience, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.15460
Topping YB, Natraj N, Khreisheh, Pargeter J, Stout D, Wheaton LA. Perceptuomotor relationships during paleolithic stone toolmaking learning: intersections of observation and practice during technological skill development. Communications Biology, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-02768-w
Johnson JT, Gavetti de Mari G, Doherty H, Hammond F, Wheaton LA. Alpha-Band Activity in Parietofrontal Cortex Predicts Future Availability of Vibrotactile Feedback in Prosthesis Use. Experimental Brain Research, 2022, 240(5):1387-1398, 10.1007/s00221-022-06340-8
Rydland J, Spiegel S, Wolfe O, Alterman B, Johnson JT, Wheaton LA. Neurorehabilitation in adults with traumatic upper extremity amputation: a scoping review. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair 2022; 36(3), 208-216 https://doi.org/10.1177/15459683211070277
Alterman BL, Keeton E, Ali S, Binkley K, Hendrix W, Lee PJ, Wand S, Kling J, Johnson JT, Wheaton LA. Partial hand prosthesis users show improved reach-to-grasp behavior compared to transracial prosthesis users with increased task complexity. J Motor Behavior, 2022, 54(6):706-718. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222895.2022.2070122
Kelly E, Wheaton, LA, Hammond III, FL. The Effect of Tactor Composition and Vibrotactile Stimulation on Sensory Memory for a Haptic Feedback Display. 32nd IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, 2023, pp. 456-463, doi: 10.1109/RO-MAN57019.2023.10309396.
Alterman BA, Ali S, Keeton E, Binkley K, Hendrix W, Lee PJ, Johnson JT, Wang S, Kling J, Gale MK, Wheaton LA. Grasp posture variability leads to greater ipsilateral sensorimotor beta activation during simulated prosthesis use. J Motor Behavior, 2024, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222895.2024.2364657
Abdullatif L, Rove V, Lindsey M, Wheaton LA. Patterns of visual attention during action observation in stroke rehabilitation: a feasibility and exploratory study. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1177/15459683251369508
Alterman BL, Ali S, Keeton E, Binkley K, Hendrix W, Lee PJ, Johnson JT, Wang S, Kling J, Wheaton LA . Interlimb training improves motor function in partial-hand but not necessarily transradial simulated prosthesis use. Scientific Reports, 15(38761), 2025, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-22656-1.