Perception & Action
Our research encompasses a wide range of topics related to human perception, action and their coupling. This work extends from fundamental (with the aim of understanding the principles underlying human perception and action) to applied (utilising fundamental knowledge to improve health and well-being across the lifespan, and enhance functional capacity in multiple domains).
We have access to an equivalent of 250 square metres of lab space housing extensive facilities for behavioural and neurophysiological studies. These include: multiple 3D motion tracking systems; equipment for electromyography (EMG); functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS); transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS); electroencephalography (EEG); posturography (Balance Master); sound-synthesis gait analysis (force-plates); and a range of stimulus presentation systems. Uniquely, we have a 6m x 23m multi-purpose re-configurable lab space that is equipped with systems for the generation of immersive VR environments. Off-site, we have access to commercial services for magnetic resonance imaging.
The current research interests of the group include: the restoration of upper limb function in stroke survivors; the perception of duration/time of visual events; goalkeeper movements during free kicks; the neural basis of interception; balance control across the lifespan and in clinical populations; movement sonification strategies for visually impaired people; diagnostic biomarkers for motor neurone disease; the neural basis of individual differences in the preservation of cognitive and motor function in later life; and skill acquisition in musicians.
RESEARCH AREAS
IMPACT
The SMART Arm is a device developed to help stroke survivors compensate for the neural damage that follows stroke. It is used to re-establish normal arm and hand function, by recoding through practice, neural pathways that control the movements that are essential for independent daily living. The device provides physical and motivational support during rehabilitation, enabling the stroke survivor to recover faster and to reach a level of movement function that is useful to them in their daily lives. The SMART Arm also enables the stroke survivor to work independently, allowing them to continue to drive their own long-term recovery.
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Dr Joost Dessing’s research in elite sports uses custom virtual reality-based simulators for various sports, such as football, rugby and cricket. A key line of investigation focuses on the performance of goalkeepers in football during free kick scenarios.
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Dr Doumas's work focuses on postural control in healthy ageing and clinical populations with the aim to contribute to fall prevention. We are currently working on fall prevention with the local community of people with Parkinson’s (PwP) over 50% of whom fall at least once a year. We use Dance for PD®, the most popular dance programme for PwP, which is performed in 28 countries, with 32 classes in the UK. The program is already engaging thousands of PwP, however, there is little research investigating its efficacy.
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This video provides more information on the Dance with Parkinson's research project
Understanding how sound can help with the coordination of movement has impact for different skill learning and rehabilitation applications. My research includes: studying coordination in children with visual impairments and using interactive sounds to help them move better; transforming golf swing movements into sound so that learners can hear and practice better technique; helping people with Parkinson’s disease walk more stably using rhythmic sounds as guides.
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Some of our researchers contribute to the research conducted within QUB’s Pioneer Research Programme Intelligent Automated Manufacturing Systems (i-AMS), focusing on human-robot interactions and user interface testing.
The Centre has state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing technology demonstration facilities with a particular focus on machining, robotic welding, AR/VR and cooperative robotics, and is able to work across the full TRL spectrum. i-AMS has an ethos of industry collaboration and industry informed research, building on a 50 year track record of supporting industry in R&D and QUB’s position as the UK leader in knowledge transfer partnerships, and is keen to work with industry across all sectors to drive forward advanced manufacturing.
Our Science In Motion Lab (SIM) lab is a 6m x 23m multi-purpose, re-configurable lab space that houses a large range of state-of-the art movement science technologies, such as a flexible 20 camera Qualysis 3D motion tracking system, multiple virtual reality suites (Vive Pro [wireless], Oculus Rift – controlled through Unity), an Xsens motion tracking system, a large projection screen, and 2 AMTI force plates.
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