Sarah Kraeutner

(She, Her, Hers)

Assistant Professor

Psychology

Office: ASC 204
Email: sarah.kraeutner@ubc.ca

Research Summary

Motor learning; motor imagery; stroke-related neuroscience; neuroimaging; non-invasive brain stimulation

Courses & Teaching

PSYO 230 Biopsychology of Behaviour

Biography

Dr. Sarah Kraeutner is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and the lead investigator of the NIMBL (Neuroplasticity, Imagery, and Motor Behaviour Lab) at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan. Dr. Kraeutner received her PhD in Psychology & Neuroscience at Dalhousie University in 2019 as a Killam Laureate. Prior to her current position, she was a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Fellow at the University of British Columbia – Vancouver, in the Department of Physical Therapy.

Websites

Neuroplasticity, Imagery, and Motor Behaviour Laboratory

Degrees

BSc (Hons), University of Victoria
MSc, Dalhousie University
PhD, Dalhousie University

Research Interests & Projects

The NIMBL is dedicated to research in the areas of motor learning and stroke-related neuroscience, encompassing both basic and applied neuroscience. Our overarching goal is to improve motor learning and relearning after brain injury. Basic work focuses on understanding brain function and plasticity associated with motor learning through non-physical forms of practice. Applied work focuses on informing, developing, and testing interventions using non-physical forms of practice, and tools to aid such practice, to promote recovery after stroke.

Selected Publications & Presentations

Google Scholar

Kraeutner, S, Rubino, C, Ferris, J, Rinat, S, Penko, L, Chiu, L, Greeley, B, Jones, C, Larssen, B., & Boyd, L. Frontoparietal function and underlying structure reflect capacity for motor skill acquisition during healthy aging. Neurobiology of Aging, 2024. 133, 78-86. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.10.0

Moreno-Verdú, M., Hamoline, G., Caenegem, E., Waltzing, B., Forest, S., Valappil, A., Khan, A., Chye, S., Esselaar, M., Campbell, M., McAllister, C., Kraeutner, S., Poliakoff, E., Frank, C., Eaves, D., Wakefield, C., Boe, S., Holmes, P., Bruton, A., Vogt, S., Wright, D., & Hardwick, R. (2023). Guidelines for Reporting Action Simulation Studies (GRASS): proposals to improve reporting of research in Motor Imagery and Action Observation. Neuropsychologia. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108733

Jessey T, Lin B, Subramanium S, & Kraeutner S. Disrupting somatosensory processing impairs motor execution but not motor imagery. Human Movement Science, 2023; 90.

Frank C, Kraeutner SN, Rieger, M, & Boe SG. Learning motor actions via imagery – perceptual or motor learning? Psychological Research, 2023. doi: 10.1007/s00426-022-01787-4

Cui, AX, Kraeutner, S, Motamed Yeganeh, N, Hermiston, N, Werker, J, & Boyd, L. (2023) Resting-state brain connectivity correlates of musical sophistication. Frontiers Research Topics: Effects of performing arts training on the brain, (socio)cognitive and motor functions across the lifespan. 17. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1195996 (Open access – read it here)

Kraeutner SN, Cui AX, Boyd LA, & Boe SG. Modality of practice modulates resting state connectivity during motor learning. Neuroscience Letters, 2022; 11: 136659.

Kraeutner SN, Stratas A, McArthur JL, Helmick CA, Westwood DA, & Boe SG. Neural and behavioural outcomes differ following equivalent bouts of motor imagery or physical practice. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 2020; 32(8), 1590:1606.

Kraeutner SN, Eppler SN, Stratas, A & Boe SG. Generate, maintain, manipulate? Exploring the multidimensional nature of motor imagery. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 2020; 48, 101673.

Kraeutner SN, McWhinney SR, Solomon JP, Dithurbide L, Boe SG. Experience modulates motor imagery-based brain activity. European Journal of Neuroscience, 2018; 47; 10:

Selected Grants & Awards

Michael Smith Health Research BC – Scholar Award (PI)

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada – Discovery Grant (PI)

Canada Foundation for Innovation – John R. Evans Leaders Fund (PI)

Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation (Co-PI)

Professional Services/Affiliations/Committees

Research in Imagery and Observation