Research
Our research focuses on the role of higher-order cognitive processes such as attention, cognitive control, and memory in motor performance during adulthood, aging, and dementia. Two recent theoretical frameworks have motivated our research program: (1) Sensorimotor control during complex motor tasks relies heavily on various memory and attentional processes, and (2) Aging is associated with an increasing interdependence between sensory, cognitive, and sensorimotor processes.
The overarching goal of our research is to explain age-related changes in the performance of complex, real-world tasks. To achieve this goal we take a multidisciplinary approach to studying the role of cognitive processes in motor performance in younger adults, and investigating how the interaction among these processes changes in later adulthood and dementia.
Current Research
Memory Processes Involved in Sensorimotor Learning
Multiple current projects focus on identifying the nature of the memory systems underlying motor learning using force-field adaptation and visuomotor rotation tasks. These projects aim to reveal the impact of age-related cognitive declines in working memory, and implicit learning on the time course of sensorimotor adaptation.
This work not only identifies cognitive factors that contribute to impairments in motor learning in later adulthood, but also provides novel insights into the nature of the cognitive mechanisms underlying motor learning in younger adulthood.
Sensitivity of Rapid Motor Decision-Making Tasks to Executive Control Declines in Aging
In these projects we assess whether recently developed clinical tests of rapid motor decision making known as the Object Hit, and Object Hit & Avoid tasks (BKin Technologies) are sensitive to age differences in executive functioning. We are also assessing whether these tasks are sensitive to cognitive impairments in MCI and AD.
Sensorimotor Learning in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
This project is aimed at establishing the utility of measures of sensorimotor adaptation as a sensitive behavioral marker of cognitive impairment in aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. By combining multiple measures of sensorimotor adaptation with standard clinical neuropsychological tests, the goal of this project is to determine whether motor learning measures can provide additive information that improves the reliability of diagnostic batteries used in the diagnosis of the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Neurocognitive Mechanisms of Rapid Corrective Action
This project is focused on identifying the neruocognitive mechanisms that allow for rapid, corrective (i.e., evasive) actions during a movement. Using electroencephalography (EEG) while participants avoid haptic obstacles during reaching movements, this project is aimed at identifying the neurocognitive mechanisms that allow for rapid corrective actions to avoid obstacle collisions. The second aim of this work is to provide insight into the nature of age-related changes in the ability to make rapid corrective actions.
Exercise Interventions for Improving Cognitive Function and Motor Learning
This collaborative project aims to establish the generalizability of exercise-induced cognitive improvements in older adults to motor learning performance. An additional aim of this project is to improve our understanding of the interaction between exercise-induced improvements in neurocognitive function, motor learning, physical fitness, and cardiovascular function.
