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Research in the Movement Neuroscience Laboratory focuses on understanding the effects of central neural dysfunction on motor performance due to aging, concussion, and Parkinson’s disease. Our approach integrates neuroscience and biomechanics to address three major lines:
Research in the Movement Neuroscience Laboratory focuses on understanding the effects of central neural dysfunction on motor performance due to aging, concussion, and Parkinson’s disease. Our approach integrates neuroscience and biomechanics to address three major lines:
1) Identifying changes in gait performance.
1) Identifying changes in gait performance.
2) Understanding the neurological underpinnings of changes in gait performance.
2) Understanding the neurological underpinnings of changes in gait performance.
3) Determining approaches to maintain or improve gait performance, subsequently preserving independence.
3) Determining approaches to maintain or improve gait performance, subsequently preserving independence.
Gait Performance (Biomechanics)
Gait Performance (Biomechanics)
Walking is a common mobility task that is composed of different components (e.g., initiation, straight gait, turning, and termination). Generally, cortical and sub-cortical motor pathways are responsible for successful walking performance. However, the notion that walking is solely dependent on the motor pathways has given way to a more complex model that reflects cognitive control of gait. To achieve our research aims we need to uncover the relationships between gait and cognitive activities, potentially aiding in the development of more efficient gait therapy programs.
Brain Activity
Brain Activity
We measure cortical activity during gait with an neuroimaging technique called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). This technique measures the changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, providing details about which cortical areas are active during a particular task. Changes in gait performance could be the result of neurodegeneration of the motor pathways. Our multidisciplinary approach can uncover these changes and potential relationships to motor performance. Changes in cortical activity patterns can be targets for gait therapy to improve gait performance.
Intervention
Intervention
Our newest line of research will determine how people adapt and learn to use a body worn exoskeletons to improve gait performance (collaboration with Dr. Meghan Huber). Ultimately, the results from this work will have a direct impact on how we will improve independence.
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