• Movement Abnormalities in The Psychosis Continuum

Increasing evidence indicates that movement problems of the face and limbs—such as slowness and involuntary muscle contractions—consistently appear at different stages of psychosis progression. A growing body of research, including our own, has reported that unmedicated and medicated people with schizophrenia, youth at clinical high risk of psychotic onset, and youth with psychotic-like experiences all exhibit movement problems. These movement problems, like delusions and cognitive impairments, are intrinsic to the illness. They are not merely by-products of different generations of antipsychotics; instead, they are the result of the combined influence of the illness and antipsychotics.

Participation in daily activities, work, and social interactions is affected in populations experiencing movement issues. However, evidence-based interventions for movement problems in the psychosis continuum remain insufficient. Our team has been developing and examining movement interventions to help individuals living with schizophrenia or psychotic-like experiences engage in life activities and improve their quality of life. 

Interventions we have been studying include rhythmic auditory cueing and transcranial direct current stimulation. Research measures involve occupational therapy assessment tools, motion capture systems, and ActiGraph activity monitors. Additionally, our team is applying technology to develop innovative movement measures and intervention programs designed to enhance social interactions in people with psychiatric disorders.

• Application of Rhythmic Auditory Cueing Interventions to Other Populations: Parkinson’s Disease and Stroke 

Our team has developed a movement intervention program incorporating rhythmic auditory cueing and has been examining its effects in individuals across different stages of psychosis development. In recent years, we have also applied this program to movement interventions for populations with Parkinson’s disease and stroke to support their participation in daily activities. In our studies targeting Parkinson’s disease, the team has examined effects of this movement program incorporating rhythmic auditory cueing and adopted electroencephalography to investigate neural mechanisms. Research involving individuals with stroke is ongoing.

• Mind-Body Therapy in The Elderly

Sleep is one of the core occupational areas. Sleep disturbances are prevalent among the elderly and associated with depression. Previously, our team worked with other researchers and experts in mindfulness and Tai Chi Chuan to jointly examine effects of the mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan program on sleep disturbances in community-dwelling elderly individuals. This training program integrated attentional control, non-judgmental acceptance, the practice of slow and rhythmic movements, and breath regulation.