Akira Toyomura Laboratory

Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8514, Japan. ak.toyomura@gmail.com

Postdoctoral position is available

Research interests

In our laboratory, we are investigating the brain mechanisms underlying human motor controls. In particular, we focus on the neural mechanisms of a speech fluency disorder, stuttering. The etiology of stuttering is still unknown and the treatment options are still limited. Brain regions involved in stuttering are not limited to speech production (e.g., basal ganglia), but are common parts for general human motor functions. By conducting neuroscience researches on wide modalities of motor controls, we are trying to understand the stuttering as a part of the human motor controls. With colleagues in Germany, Australia, and Japan, we are conducting several research projects and brain-imaging experiments as well as behavioral experiments regarding various human motor controls including speech, upper and lower limbs. By continuing the neuroscientific researches, we would like to clarify the mechanism of stuttering and explore evidence-based treatments.
Keywords: stuttering, human motor control, speech, upper and lower limb movements, mindfulness, fMRI, EEG, neuro-feedback

Laboratory members

Akira Toyomura, PhD, Associate Professor
Chisato Abe, School of Health Sciences
Reika Nagata, School of Health Sciences
Daiki Miyashiro, Sekiguchi Hospital
Akihiro Matsumoto, School of Medicine

Selected grants

Selected publications