Brain activity during finger tapping with and without auditory metronomes
Biomechanics Faculty: Dr. Vivien MarmelatLaboratory Technician: Ryan Meidinger
Project Description: Sensorimotor synchronization is often assessed using a synchronization-continuation task, where participants tap their finger in time with a metronome and continue to tap at the same rhythm after the metronome stops. During synchronization, EEG recording have revealed that brain activity is “locked” to the frequency of the metronome, but little is known about brain activity during the continuation phase, when the metronome is no longer present. The results from this project may inform about the underlying neuromechanisms supporting behavioral rhythmicity, with and without external cues.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Biomechanics Faculty: Dr. Carolin CurtzeCollaborators: Dr. Aviva Abosch, Dr. Danish BhattiProject Description: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms of PD include the clinical triad of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, and typically lead to the initial diagnosis. While there is yet no cure for PD, medical and surgical therapies have been developed that effectively target the motor symptoms of PD. The aim of the study is to determine the effects of a new pattern of deep brain stimulation on the motor symptoms associated with PD. Using a novel neurostimulator technology research stimulations patterns are being delivered to the subthalamic nucleus while capturing the patients’ brain signals. The protocol involves assessing patients’ limb movements (e.g., tremor, bradykinesia), postural sway, and gait through the use of wearable sensors.
Relating perceptual deficits to gait adaptation
Biomechanics Faculty: Dr. Mukul MukherjeeCollaborators: Dr. Pierre Fayad
Graduate Assistants: Takashi Sado
Project Description: In this research project, multiple measures of sensory perception in stroke survivors are being assessed to determine if they have a relationship with gait adaptation. An important healthcare application of our study is the determination of subject groups that are more/less likely to benefit from sensory augmentation therapies.