Projects

Simul‑arities of Action

When we observe someone moving, we internally simulate this movement. When we imagine performing a movement, we are also internally simulating this movement. But how similar are these simulations? Can a motor simulation operate independently of a rich sensory experience? This project examines how strongly the observation and and imagination of movement engage sensory versus motor systems, and how this is influenced by our experience with the movement. We are also asking if the way we simulate movement influences how confident or prepared we feel when performing the real action, and if these these processes change in people with aphantasia (who report little or no ability to visualize a picture in their mind). The goal of this study is determine how different forms of covert practice contribute to the brain’s representation of an action. Interested in results of this work? What we’ve found out so far can be found here.

Project team: Kyle Vallido, Dr. Carrie Peters, Dr. Matthew Scott, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Hodges and the MSL.

Thinking on the move

When we imagine performing a movement, we often focus on the motor aspects of this process. Imagining movement is after all, an internal simulation or rehearsal of an action. But how motor is motor imagery? This project examines how strongly motor imagery relies on cognitive systems involved in attention and decision‑making, and how these processes interact with the motor system during imagined movement. Using brain stimulation, we are testing how activating one population of neurons that support executive control influence the function of neurons in that support movement while people engage in imagery‑based tasks. The goal of this study is to determine the involvement of cognitive processes to motor imagery, and whether these processes influence the way we represent and simulate movement.

Project team: Alisha Davis

Guiding the mind’s motion

When we practice motor skills, like throwing a baseball or lifting weights, parts of the brain are working together to control and refine those skills. We can also imagine ourselves moving without actually doing it – this is called motor imagery. When we picture ourselves moving, many of the same parts of our brain are working together. But people imagine movement in many different ways. One thing we do not know is how providing specific instructions might help the brain engage most effectively. This project measures interactions between parts of our brain important for movement during different styles of guided motor imagery. The goal of this study is to learn more about how motor imagery should be delivered towards improving its effectiveness for uses in sports, music, and rehabilitation.

Project team: Dr. Ashika Chembila Valappil, Dr. Sarvenaz Heirani Moghaddam, Marlo Spence

Call me maybe? Improving communication between the brain and muscles after stroke

Physical therapy is the ‘gold standard’ for recovery of impairments in hand and arm function after stroke. But, physical therapy is not always possible, desirable, or accessible. One non-physical strategy that can be used to help improve hand and arm function is called motor imagery. Motor imagery involves imagining yourself performing a movement, without actually (physically) performing the movement. One thing we do not really understand is how motor imagery impacts the signals between our brain and our muscles, and whether this leads to more efficient muscle activations. This study will look at the way our brain and muscles talk to each other during motor imagery during aging and after stroke. The overall goal is to help us understand how motor imagery should be used to improve hand and arm function after stroke. Interested in results of this work? What we’ve found out so far can be found here.

Project team: Dr. Justine Magnuson, Marlo Spence, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Jakobi and the HEAL.

I like to move it move it: Does movement shape the way we experience music?

Music moves us! When we hear music we like, we often want to move. From brain imaging studies, we know that our motor system is activated when listening to music. But what about the opposite effect? Does movement influence how we experience music? This study will look at whether our motor system impacts our emotional experiences to music. Findings from this study may help us understand different approaches to rehabilitation of movement impairments.

Project team: Sofia Knopf, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Anja Cui (U Vienna).

Imagined expectations vs. reality

We can practice a skill physically, or through our imagination by mentally rehearsing the skill. When we rehearse a skill in our minds, we are missing something important for learning – information about whether our attempt was a success. For example, if we physically putt a golf ball towards the hole, we get to see where the ball ended up – called ‘feedback’. But if we mentally rehearse putting a golf ball to the hole, we don’t get this same feedback. One thing we don’t really know about imagined practice, is whether this feedback is important for learning. This study will look at whether we can use virtual reality to provide feedback during imagined practice, to help learning. Findings from this study will help us understand and improve the effectiveness of imagined practice.

Project team: Celine Balay, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Pourang Irani and the HCI lab, and Dr. Cornelia Frank (U Bremen).