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Contact Details

Phone
+64 3 479 4030
Email
yusuf.cakmak@otago.ac.nz

University Links

Position
Associate Professor
Department
Department of Anatomy
Qualifications
MD PhD(Turkey)
Research summary
Non-invasive neuromodulation, electrostimulation
Teaching
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmology
  • FRACS
  • MED2 Respiratory System
  • Dentistry Head and Neck Anatomy
  • ANAT335 Neuromodulation: Neural Networks and Senses
  • NEUR452 Peripheral nerve stimulation to modulate body systems

Research

Associate Professor Yusuf Ozgur Cakmak (MD, PhD) is a leading expert in applied anatomy for non-invasive wearable neuromodulation and remote health monitoring using nearable devices.

He holds over ten international patents and has founded two spinoff companies specializing in wearable neuromodulation and mobile phone-based diagnostics in the US. He also leads point-of-care technologies theme for Centre for Bioengineering at the University of Otago, where he holds an Associate Professor position at the Department of Anatomy.

Associate Professor Cakmak teaches in numerous papers including Peripheral Neuromodulation and Post-graduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy. He is also a member of Interventional Technologies theme at NZ Consortium for Medical Device Technologies.

Associate Professor Cakmak’s research is supported by Health Rearch Council New Zealand and New Zealand Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence grants.

Associate Professor Cakmak provides invited expert opinions to numerous governmental grants, including NIH (US), ERC (EU), and MRFF (Australia) as well as to the Medtech showcase at the Parliament of New Zealand.

Publications

Yang, A. H. X., Kasabov, N., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2022). Machine learning methods for the study of cybersickness: A systematic review. Brain Informatics, 9(1), 24. doi: 10.1186/s40708-022-00172-6

Maharjan, A., Khwaounjoo, P., Peng, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2022). Non-contact neuromodulation of the human autonomic nervous system function via different odors: Sex, menstrual cycle, and odor dose- and duration-specific effects. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 950282. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2022.950282

Khwaounjoo, P., Singh, G., Grenfell, S., Özsoy, B., MacAskill, M. R., Anderson, T. J., & Çakmak, Y. O. (2022). Non-contact hand movement analysis for optimal configuration of smart sensors to capture Parkinson's disease hand tremor. Sensors, 22(12), 4613. doi: 10.3390/s22124613

Maharjan, A., Peng, M., Russell, B., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2022). Investigation of the optimal parameters of median nerve stimulation using a variety of stimulation methods and its effects on heart rate variability: A systematic review. Neuromodulation, 25, 1268-1279. doi: 10.1016/j.neurom.2021.10.005

Cakmak, Y. O., Olcek, C., Ozsoy, B., Khwaounjoo, P., Kiziltan, G., Apaydin, H., … Gokcay, D. (2022). Hand pronation–supination movement as a proxy for remotely monitoring gait and posture stability in Parkinson’s disease. Sensors, 22, 1827. doi: 10.3390/s22051827

Yang, A. H. X., Kasabov, N., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2022). Machine learning methods for the study of cybersickness: A systematic review. Brain Informatics, 9(1), 24. doi: 10.1186/s40708-022-00172-6

Journal - Research Article

Maharjan, A., Khwaounjoo, P., Peng, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2022). Non-contact neuromodulation of the human autonomic nervous system function via different odors: Sex, menstrual cycle, and odor dose- and duration-specific effects. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 950282. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2022.950282

Journal - Research Article

Khwaounjoo, P., Singh, G., Grenfell, S., Özsoy, B., MacAskill, M. R., Anderson, T. J., & Çakmak, Y. O. (2022). Non-contact hand movement analysis for optimal configuration of smart sensors to capture Parkinson's disease hand tremor. Sensors, 22(12), 4613. doi: 10.3390/s22124613

Journal - Research Article

Maharjan, A., Peng, M., Russell, B., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2022). Investigation of the optimal parameters of median nerve stimulation using a variety of stimulation methods and its effects on heart rate variability: A systematic review. Neuromodulation, 25, 1268-1279. doi: 10.1016/j.neurom.2021.10.005

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O., Olcek, C., Ozsoy, B., Khwaounjoo, P., Kiziltan, G., Apaydin, H., … Gokcay, D. (2022). Hand pronation–supination movement as a proxy for remotely monitoring gait and posture stability in Parkinson’s disease. Sensors, 22, 1827. doi: 10.3390/s22051827

Journal - Research Article

Hui Xiang, A. Y., Khwaounjoo, P., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2021). Directional effects of whole-body spinning and visual flow in virtual reality on vagal neuromodulation. Journal of Vestibular Research, 31(6), 479-494. doi: 10.3233/ves-201574

Journal - Research Article

Spicer, C., Khwaounjoo, P., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2021). Human and human-interfaced AI interactions: Modulation of human male autonomic nerve system via pupil mimicry. Sensors, 21, 1028. doi: 10.3390/s21041028

Journal - Research Article

Peng, M., Browne, H., Cahayadi, J., & Cakmak, Y. (2021). Predicting food choices based on eye-tracking data: Comparisons between real-life and virtual tasks. Appetite, 166, 105477. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105477

Journal - Research Article

Maharjan, A., Peng, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2022). The effects of frequency-specific, non-invasive, median nerve stimulation on food-related attention and appetite. Appetite, 169, 105807. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105807

Journal - Research Article

Galli, G., Cakmak, Y. O., Babič, J., & Pazzaglia, M. (2020). Embodying tool use: From cognition to neurorehabilitation. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14, 585670. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.585670

Journal - Research Other

Cakmak, Y. O., Ozsoy, B., Ertan, S., Cakmak, O. O., Kiziltan, G., Yapici-Eser, H., … Gursoy-Ozdemir, Y. (2020). Intrinsic auricular muscle zone stimulation improves walking parameters of parkinson's patients faster than levodopa in the motion capture analysis: A pilot study. Frontiers in Neurology, 11, 546123. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.546123

Journal - Research Article

Lumsden, S. C., Clarkson, A. N., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2020). Neuromodulation of the pineal gland via electrical stimulation of its sympathetic innervation pathway. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14, 264. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00264

Journal - Research Other

Cakmak, Y. O., Nazim, K., Thomas, C., & Datta, A. (2020). Optimized electrode placements for non-invasive electrical stimulation of the olfactory bulb and olfactory mucosa. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14, 581503. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2020.581503

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O., Daniel, B. K., Hammer, N., Yilmaz, O., Irmak, E. C., & Khwaounjoo, P. (2020). The human muscular arm avatar as an interactive visualisation tool in learning anatomy: Medical students perspectives. IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, 13(3), 593-603. doi: 10.1109/TLT.2020.2995163

Journal - Research Article

Gowen, C. L., Khwaounjoo, P., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2020). EMG-free monitorization of the acoustic startle reflex with a mobile phone: Implications of sound parameters with posture related responses. Sensors, 20, 5996. doi: 10.3390/s20215996

Journal - Research Article

Wang, C., Daniel, B. K., Asil, M., Khwaounjoo, P., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2020). A randomised control trial and comparative analysis of multi-dimensional learning tools in anatomy. Scientific Reports, 10, 6120. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-62855-6

Journal - Research Article

Sukasem, A., Cakmak, Y. O., Khwaounjoo, P., Gharibans, A., & Du, P. (2020). The effects of low-and high-frequency non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) on gastric slow waves evaluated using in vivo high-resolution mapping in porcine. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 32, e13852. doi: 10.1111/nmo.13852

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O. (2019). Concerning auricular vagal nerve stimulation: Occult neural networks. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 13, 421. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00421

Journal - Research Other

Peng, M., Coutts, D., Wang, T., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2019). Systematic review of olfactory shifts related to obesity. Obesity Reviews, 20, 325-338. doi: 10.1111/obr.12800

Journal - Research Article

Çavdar, S., Özgür, M., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Kuvvet, Y., Kunt, S. K., & Sağlam, G. (2018). Afferent projections of the subthalamic nucleus in the rat: Emphasis on bilateral and interhemispheric connections. Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis, 78(3), 251-263. doi: 10.21307/ane‑2018‑023

Journal - Research Article

Liugan, M., Zhang, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2018). Neuroprosthetics for auricular muscles: Neural networks and clinical aspects. Frontiers in Neurology, 8, 752. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00752

Journal - Research Other

Kirazli, O., Bay, H. H., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Onat, F., & Çavdar, S. (2018). Comparison of cerebral ventricular volumes and cortical thicknesses in normal rats and Genetic Absence Epilepsy (GAERS): A developmental study. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, 68, 98-105. doi: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2018.05.007

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O., Cotofana, S., Jäger, C., Morawski, M., Sora, M.-C., Werner, M., & Hammer, N. (2018). Peri-arterial autonomic innervation of the human ear. Scientific Reports, 8, 11469. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-29839-z

Journal - Research Article

Turkakin, E., Akbiyik, S., Akyol, B., Gürdere, C., Çakmak, Y. Ö., & Balci, F. (2018). Differential bilateral primary motor cortex tDCS fails to modulate choice bias and readiness in perceptual decision making. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 410. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00410

Journal - Research Article

Wang, E., Cakmak, Y. O., & Peng, M. (2018). Eating with eyes: Comparing eye movements and food choices between overweight and lean individuals in a real-life buffet setting. Appetite, 125, 152-159. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.02.003

Journal - Research Article

Berkay, D., Eser, H. Y., Sack, A. T., Çakmak, Y. Ö., & Balci, F. (2018). The modulatory role of pre-SMA in speed-accuracy tradeoff: A bi-directional TMS study. Neuropsychologia, 109, 255-261. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2017.12.031

Journal - Research Article

Lam Po Tang, E. J., HajiRassouliha, A., Nash, M. P., Nielsen, P. M. F., Taberner, A. J., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2018). Non-contact quantification of jugular venous pulse waveforms from skin displacements. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 17236. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-35483-4

Journal - Research Article

Maharjan, A., Peng, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2018). Non-invasive high frequency median nerve stimulation effectively suppresses olfactory intensity perception in healthy males. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, 533. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00533

Journal - Research Article

Maharjan, A., Wang, E., Peng, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2018). Improvement of olfactory function with high frequency non-invasive auricular electrostimulation in healthy humans. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 225. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00225

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O., Ekinci, G., Heinecke, A., & Çavdar, S. (2017). A possible role of prolonged whirling episodes on structural plasticity of the cortical networks and altered vertigo perception: The cortex of Sufi Whirling Dervishes. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 3. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00003

Journal - Research Article

Tosun, T., Berkay, D., Sack, A. T., Çakmak, Y. Ö., & Balci, F. (2017). Inhibition of pre-Supplementary Motor Area by continuous theta burst stimulation leads to more cautious decision-making and more efficient sensory evidence integration. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 29(8), 1433-1444. doi: 10.1162/jocn_a_01134

Journal - Research Article

Goktas, S., Yalcin, O., Ermek, E., Piskin, S., Capraz, C. T., Cakmak, Y. O., & Pekkan, K. (2017). Haemodynamic recovery properties of the torsioned testicular artery lumen. Scientific Reports, 7, 15570. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-15680-3

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O., Akpinar, I. N., & Yoldemir, T. (2017). Decreasing the uterine blood flow with electroacupuncture: Bidermatomal and monodermatomal applications. Gynecologic & Obstetric Investigation, 82(2), 151-156. doi: 10.1159/000446947

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O., Apaydin, H., Kiziltan, G., Gündüz, A., Ozsoy, B., Olcer, S., … Ertan, S. (2017). Rapid alleviation of Parkinson’s disease symptoms via electrostimulation of intrinsic auricular muscle zones. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 338. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00338

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O. (2017). Rotorua, hydrogen sulphide and Parkinson’s disease: A possible beneficial link? New Zealand Medical Journal, 130(1455), 123-125. Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal

Journal - Research Other

Cakmak, Y. O. (2016). Coffee consumption, smoking, and Parkinson's disease? The beneficial role of hydrogen sulfide. Movement Disorders, 31(3), 429. doi: 10.1002/mds.26526

Journal - Research Other

Uslu, B., Cakmak, Y. O., Sehirli, Ü., Keskinoz, E. N., Cosgun, E., Arbak, S., & Yalin, A. (2016). Early onset of atherosclerosis of the carotid bifurcation in newborn cadavers. Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research, 10(5), AC01-AC05. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/19827.7706

Journal - Research Article

Ozdogmus, O., Saban, E., Ozkan, M., Yildiz, S. D., Verimli, U., Cakmak, O., … Sehirli, U. (2016). Morphometric characteristics of caudal cranial nerves at petroclival region in fetuses. Anatomical Science International, 91, 246-249. doi: 10.1007/s12565-015-0291-0

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. (2015). Provotella-derived hydrogen sulfide, constipation, and neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease. Movement Disorders, 30(8), 1151. doi: 10.1002/mds.26258

Journal - Research Other

Acar, O., Esen, T., Colakoglu, B., Camli, M. F., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2015). Improving testicular blood flow with electroacupuncture-like percutaneous nerve stimulation in an experimental rat model of testicular torsion. Neuromodulation, 18(4), 324-328. doi: 10.1111/ner.12246

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O., Ergelen, R., Ekinci, G., & Kaspar, E. C. (2014). The short appendix vermiformis as a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Clinical Anatomy, 27(3), 498-502. doi: 10.1002/ca.22375

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O., Ozdogmus, Ö., Günay, Y., Gürbüzer, B., Tezulaş, E., Kaspar, E. C., & Hacioglu, H. (2014). An earplug technique to reduce the gag reflex during dental procedures. Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine, 21(2), 94-98. doi: 10.1159/000362140

Journal - Research Article

Çavdar, S., Bay, H. H., Kirazll, Ö., Çakmak, Y. Ö., & Onat, F. (2013). Comparing GABAergic cell populations in the thalamic reticular nucleus of normal and genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS). Neurological Sciences, 34(11), 1991-2000. doi: 10.1007/s10072-013-1435-4

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O. (2012). TNFα theory for the beneficial effects of acupuncture on infantile colic: Formula-fed infants and probiotic treatments. Acupuncture in Medicine, 30(1), 70. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2011-010125

Journal - Research Other

Cakmak, Y. O. (2011). Infantile colic: Exploring the potential role of maternal acupuncture. Acupuncture in Medicine, 29(4), 295-297. doi: 10.1136/acupmed.2011.010065

Journal - Research Other

Çakmak, Y. Ö., Akpinar, I. N., Yoldemir, T., & Çavdar, S. (2011). Decreasing bleeding due to uterine fibroid with electroacupuncture [Case report]. Fertility & Sterility, 96(1), e13-e15. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.03.110

Journal - Research Other

Ozdogmus, O., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Coskun, M., Verimli, U., Cavdar, S., & Uzun, I. (2010). The high 2D:4D finger length ratio effects on atherosclerotic plaque development [Short communication]. Atherosclerosis, 209(1), 195-196. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.08.023

Journal - Research Other

Cakmak, Y. Ö., Cavdar, S., Yalın, A., Yener, N., & Ozdogmus, O. (2010). Myocadial bridges of the coronary arteries in the human fetal heart. Anatomical Science International, 85(3), 140-144. doi: 10.1007/s12565-009-0069-3

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O. (2010). Electroacupuncture reduces uterine artery blood flow impedance [Letter]. Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 49(3). doi: 10.1016/S1028-4559(10)60084-8

Journal - Research Other

Üzün, İ., Gürdal, E., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Ozdogmus, O., & Çavdar, S. (2009). A reminder of the anatomy of the recurrent artery of Heubner. Central European Neurosurgery, 70(1), 36-38. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1119379

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O. (2009). A review of the potential effect of electroacupuncture and moxibustion on cell repair and survival: The role of heat shock proteins. Acupuncture in Medicine, 27(4), 183-186. doi: 10.1136/aim.2009.001420

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O. (2009). How acupuncture may relieve infantile colic symptoms—melatonin, serotonin and circadian rhythmicity [Letter]. Acupuncture in Medicine, 27(3), 134. doi: 10.1136/aim.2009.001172

Journal - Research Other

Ozdogmus, O., Çakmak, Ö., Yalin, A., Keklik, D., Üzün, Ý., & Çavdar, S. (2008). Changing diameters of cerebral vessels with age in human autopsy specimens: Possible relationships to atherosclerotic changes. Zentralblatt für Neurochirurgie, 69(3), 139-143. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1004588

Journal - Research Article

Çavdar, S., Onat, F. Y., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Yananli, H. R., Gülçebi, M., & Aker, R. (2008). The pathways connecting the hippocampal formation, the thalamic reuniens nucleus and the thalamic reticular nucleus in the rat. Journal of Anatomy, 212(3), 249-256. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.00858.x

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O., Akpinar, I. N., Ekinci, G., & Bekiroglu, N. (2008). Point- and frequency-specific response of the testicular artery to abdominal electroacupuncture in humans. Fertility & Sterility, 90(5), 1732-1738. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.08.013

Journal - Research Article

Gürdal, E., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Ozdogmus, Ö., Yalçinkaya, M., Üzün, İ., Gögüsgeren, M. A., & Çavdar, S. (2007). Morphometric measurements of the caudal cranial nerves in the petroclival region. Zentralblatt für Neurochirurgie, 68(2), 47-49. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-981463

Journal - Research Article

Aker, R. G., Özyurt, H. B., Yananli, H. R., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Özkaynakçi, A. E., Sehirli, Ü., … Onat, F. Y. (2006). GABAA receptor mediated transmission in the thalamic reticular nucleus of rats with genetic absence epilepsy shows regional differences: Functional implications. Brain Research, 1111(1), 213-221. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.06.118

Journal - Research Article

Çavdar, S., Onat, F., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Saka, E., Yananli, H. R., & Aker, R. (2006). Connections of the zona incerta to the reticular nucleus of the thalamus in the rat. Journal of Anatomy, 209(2), 251-258. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00600.x

Journal - Research Article

Cakmak, Y. O. (2006). Epilepsy, electroacupuncture and the nucleus of the solitary tract. Acupuncture in Medicine, 24(4), 164-168. doi: 10.1136/aim.24.4.164

Journal - Research Article

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