Joline E. Brandenburg, M.D.

Location

Contact

SUMMARY

The research interests of Joline E. Brandenburg, M.D., center on understanding the effects of spasticity and spasticity reduction on muscle in children with neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy. In people with spasticity, muscle overuse from chronic spasticity appears to increase passive muscle stiffness. Dr. Brandenburg's work involves the use of a novel ultrasound technology to measure muscle properties in children with spasticity. She also is studying the impact of spasticity on spinal motor neuron development and aging using a mouse model of congenital spasticity.

The long-term goal of Dr. Brandenburg's research team is to understand the lifelong effects of spasticity and spasticity treatment on muscle properties.

Focus areas

• Noninvasive monitoring techniques. Dr. Brandenburg uses novel, noninvasive shear wave ultrasound elastography technology to quantify and compare passive muscle stiffness in children with typical development and children with cerebral palsy.
• Effects of spasticity on muscle. Dr. Brandenburg and her team are studying the effects of spasticity on muscle properties. Their current research goals include describing the effects of spasticity on the evolution of motor neurons and muscle properties during critical periods of development.
• National Cerebral Palsy Registry. Dr. Brandenburg is a principal investigator for Mayo Clinic as a member of the Cerebral Palsy Research Network.
• Motor function and quality of life in children with spina bifida. In collaboration with Kristin D. Zhao, Ph.D., M.S., Dr. Brandenburg is part of a team investigating noninvasive spinal stimulation to make children with spina bifida better able to walk and improve their quality of life.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Brandenburg's research helps better manage and treat children with cerebral palsy throughout their lives. She hopes to individualize timing of spasticity treatment by applying a better understanding of the impact of early-onset spasticity on muscle at critical periods of development and improved strategies for measuring muscle properties in children with spasticity. Also, her work involving children with spina bifida aims to promote walking and help them continue to walk in adulthood. In this way, Dr. Brandenburg works to make the quality of life better for children with cerebral palsy and spina bifida by helping them regain physical function.

Professional highlights

• Cerebral Palsy Research Network:
  • Investigator, 2023-present.
  • Collaborator, 2020-present.
• Member, PM&R BOLD Steering Committee, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2023-present.
• Chair, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic Children's Center, 2022-present.
• Director, Mayo Clinic Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida Clinic, 2022-present.
• Treasurer, American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, 2022-present.
• Chair, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Cerebral Palsy Common Data Elements Oversight Committee, 2020-present.