Motor Learning is the process of combining several processes such as sensory information, adaptation, and motor function together to improve on a desired task. In the lab, we conduct controlled experiments in which participants complete arm reaching movements in simple tasks designed to look at these aspects. The goal of these experiments is to use this information to improve upon current and future rehabilitation techniques.
Temporal Properties of Learning in Aging Populations & Neurodegenerative Disease
Normal aging is generally associated with memory deterioration and decreased abilities to make judgements and decisions, which might be due to the impairment of certain aspects of explicit or implicit learning. The two types of learning are generally assessed with very different methods; typically the ability to remember lists of words or faces to measure explicit abilities, and simple motor tasks to evaluate implicit learning (e.g., rotary pursuit, serial reaction time tasks). This disconnect makes it difficult to accurately compare various aspects of performance across the two forms of learning (e.g., the timecourse and temporal stability of learning). We are currently working to evaluate the changes in the temporal properties of implicit and explicit learning due to normal aging in the same behavioral context. The acquired knowledge will be used to test the population with certain neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson Disease) to seek a novel and powerful behavioral assay to determine potential biomarkers of the associated structural and functional changes. Our work will link the basic science information to translational clinical applications and provide novel, valid behavioral measures of distinct learning and memory deficits. For inquiries, contact Dr. Weiwei Zhou at [email protected].
Normal aging is generally associated with memory deterioration and decreased abilities to make judgements and decisions, which might be due to the impairment of certain aspects of explicit or implicit learning. The two types of learning are generally assessed with very different methods; typically the ability to remember lists of words or faces to measure explicit abilities, and simple motor tasks to evaluate implicit learning (e.g., rotary pursuit, serial reaction time tasks). This disconnect makes it difficult to accurately compare various aspects of performance across the two forms of learning (e.g., the timecourse and temporal stability of learning). We are currently working to evaluate the changes in the temporal properties of implicit and explicit learning due to normal aging in the same behavioral context. The acquired knowledge will be used to test the population with certain neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson Disease) to seek a novel and powerful behavioral assay to determine potential biomarkers of the associated structural and functional changes. Our work will link the basic science information to translational clinical applications and provide novel, valid behavioral measures of distinct learning and memory deficits. For inquiries, contact Dr. Weiwei Zhou at [email protected].
Towards a Pediatric Multi-Dexterous Upper Limb Prosthesis via Sonomyography
Current commercially available pediatric upper limb prostheses are unable to simultaneously fulfill the needs of children with upper limb differences, supporting their emotional wellbeing and functional independence. In collaboration with Dr. Jon Schofield from the UC Davis Mechanical Engineering Department, Dr. Michelle James and Dr. Anita Bagley of the Northern California Shriners Hospital for Children, and guidance from Dr. Siddhartha Sikdar of George Mason University, we are developing a novel multi-dexterous pediatric upper limb prosthesis utilizing both traditional sEMG and novel sonomyography control signals. Inquiries can be sent to Justin Fitzgerald at [email protected].
Current commercially available pediatric upper limb prostheses are unable to simultaneously fulfill the needs of children with upper limb differences, supporting their emotional wellbeing and functional independence. In collaboration with Dr. Jon Schofield from the UC Davis Mechanical Engineering Department, Dr. Michelle James and Dr. Anita Bagley of the Northern California Shriners Hospital for Children, and guidance from Dr. Siddhartha Sikdar of George Mason University, we are developing a novel multi-dexterous pediatric upper limb prosthesis utilizing both traditional sEMG and novel sonomyography control signals. Inquiries can be sent to Justin Fitzgerald at [email protected].
Time Perception using Temporal Bisection Tasks
In collaboration with Dr. Martin Wiener at George Mason University, we combine approaches from motor control and psychology to probe the mechanisms of time perception in humans. Our experience of time is malleable, and a great deal of research has characterized the way that sensory properties influence our sense of time. We are developing novel ways to quantify similar relationships between timing systems and movement properties. We currently do this using modified versions of classic paradigms like temporal bisection and temporal reproduction. Rose De Kock is the graduate student working on this project, and she can be contacted at [email protected].
In collaboration with Dr. Martin Wiener at George Mason University, we combine approaches from motor control and psychology to probe the mechanisms of time perception in humans. Our experience of time is malleable, and a great deal of research has characterized the way that sensory properties influence our sense of time. We are developing novel ways to quantify similar relationships between timing systems and movement properties. We currently do this using modified versions of classic paradigms like temporal bisection and temporal reproduction. Rose De Kock is the graduate student working on this project, and she can be contacted at [email protected].
Sensory Feedback Influences on Reaching Temporal Dynamics
When given a goal directed reaching task, humans rely on a battery of sensory estimates, regarding the state of the world and self, to develop an effective motor plan. In collaboration with Dr. Steve Chase of the Neuroscience Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, we selectively dissociate sensory estimates of hand location, to probe the influences visual and proprioceptive feedback on planned reaching temporal dynamics and the underlying neural computations. For more information, contact Justin Fitzgerald at [email protected].
When given a goal directed reaching task, humans rely on a battery of sensory estimates, regarding the state of the world and self, to develop an effective motor plan. In collaboration with Dr. Steve Chase of the Neuroscience Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, we selectively dissociate sensory estimates of hand location, to probe the influences visual and proprioceptive feedback on planned reaching temporal dynamics and the underlying neural computations. For more information, contact Justin Fitzgerald at [email protected].
Neural Circuitry of Agency Deficits in Psychotic Disorders
On the medical campus in Sacramento, we are using translational science to study sense of agency through a neuroscience lens using corollary discharge as a measure of agency. Sense of agency is one's awareness of initiating and controlling one's own actions and thoughts, and corollary discharge is a neural signal in your brain that prepares you for an upcoming bodily action. It is theorized that patients with psychotic disorders have a disturbance in utilizing corollary discharge, perhaps creating a deficit in the ability to establish their sense of agency.
In the lab, we are studying sense of agency in participants with psychotic disorders and healthy controls using an eye tracking task and functional MRI imaging.
On the medical campus in Sacramento, we are using translational science to study sense of agency through a neuroscience lens using corollary discharge as a measure of agency. Sense of agency is one's awareness of initiating and controlling one's own actions and thoughts, and corollary discharge is a neural signal in your brain that prepares you for an upcoming bodily action. It is theorized that patients with psychotic disorders have a disturbance in utilizing corollary discharge, perhaps creating a deficit in the ability to establish their sense of agency.
In the lab, we are studying sense of agency in participants with psychotic disorders and healthy controls using an eye tracking task and functional MRI imaging.
Neural Correlates of Motor Learning in Alzheimer's Disease
Motor learning paradigms are rarely coupled with functional imaging to identify the neural underpinnings of learning. We are currently using a motor adaptation task to compare temporal qualities of implicit and explicit learning in young, elderly and MCI/Alzheimer's patients. Subjects also undergo resting state fMRI to observe how different brain regions are functionally connected. These connectivity profiles will be compared with behavioral performance in order to identify the neural underpinnings of different types of learning. The goal of this project is to identify how neural mechanisms that subserve learning change due to age and disease. For any inquiries, please contact [email protected].
Motor learning paradigms are rarely coupled with functional imaging to identify the neural underpinnings of learning. We are currently using a motor adaptation task to compare temporal qualities of implicit and explicit learning in young, elderly and MCI/Alzheimer's patients. Subjects also undergo resting state fMRI to observe how different brain regions are functionally connected. These connectivity profiles will be compared with behavioral performance in order to identify the neural underpinnings of different types of learning. The goal of this project is to identify how neural mechanisms that subserve learning change due to age and disease. For any inquiries, please contact [email protected].
Motor Learning in Movement Disorders
It is currently unclear how the symptoms of movement disorders, such as tremor, impact motor learning. We are using a two-state computational framework in conjunction with a commonly-used arm-reaching paradigm to understand the characteristics of learning impaired in patients with Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor, and Huntington's Disease. With this information, we hope to better target treatment to reduce daily living impairment early in disease progression. For any inquiries, please contact [email protected].
It is currently unclear how the symptoms of movement disorders, such as tremor, impact motor learning. We are using a two-state computational framework in conjunction with a commonly-used arm-reaching paradigm to understand the characteristics of learning impaired in patients with Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor, and Huntington's Disease. With this information, we hope to better target treatment to reduce daily living impairment early in disease progression. For any inquiries, please contact [email protected].