Meriel Owen
Papers
1
Total Citations
34
H-Index
1
About
Meriel Owen is a leading researcher in the neurophysiology of motor recovery, with a focus on how the brain reorganizes after stroke. Her work centers on the role of ipsilateral motor pathways—particularly those originating from secondary motor areas—in supporting hand function when primary motor circuits are damaged. In her highly cited 2020 study, Owen demonstrated that while these ipsilateral-projecting corticobulbar pathways can innervate both proximal and distal muscles, they branch extensively at the spinal cord, revealing a limited capacity to fully compensate for lost function post-stroke. This finding has critical implications for rehabilitation, suggesting that therapies relying solely on engaging secondary motor areas may be insufficient for restoring fine hand control. With over 30 citations on this key paper alone, Owen’s research is shaping how clinicians understand neural plasticity and constraint-induced movement therapy. Her work bridges basic motor neuroscience and translational rehabilitation, offering a nuanced view of the brain’s adaptive limits. For students and researchers in neurorehabilitation, Owen’s contributions are essential reading for grasping the true potential—and constraints—of motor recovery after neurological injury.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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