Thesis Project Form
Title (tentative): Motor-cognitive dual-task activities: development and test of an integrated platform that includes IMU and a big touchscreen.| Thesis advisor(s): Casadio Maura, Giorgia Marchesi (movendo technology) | E-mail: |
| Address: Via Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genova (ITALY) | Phone: (+39) 010 33 52749 |
Description
Motivation and application domain
Daily activities such as walking while talking on the phone exemplify motor–cognitive dual-tasking (MCDT), in which motor and cognitive tasks are performed simultaneously. In these scenarios, healthy individuals typically exhibit a decline in both motor (e.g., balance) and cognitive performance. This dual-task interference is exacerbated with advancing age and in the presence of neurological conditions.
While the impact of cognitive tasks on static postural control has been widely investigated, considerably less attention has been devoted to dynamic balance conditions, which are more representative of real-life activities. A better understanding of motor–cognitive interactions during dynamic balance is therefore crucial for improving assessment and training strategies in both healthy (unimpired) and clinical populations.
While the impact of cognitive tasks on static postural control has been widely investigated, considerably less attention has been devoted to dynamic balance conditions, which are more representative of real-life activities. A better understanding of motor–cognitive interactions during dynamic balance is therefore crucial for improving assessment and training strategies in both healthy (unimpired) and clinical populations.
General objectives and main activities
The general objectives of the project are to:
- set up an integrated experimental platform for the execution of motor–cognitive dual-task activities in both static and dynamic conditions;
- develop and validate dual-task performance metrics to better characterize dual-task interference;
- examine changes in dual-task performance over training, with particular attention to learning effects and adaptability.
More specifically, a software platform specifically designed for dual-task activities will be employed and integrated with multiple inertial measurement units (IMUs). Experimental protocols will be implemented with different groups of participants (e.g., healthy adults and, potentially, clinical populations), and the platform will be adapted to multiple use cases, including assessment and training scenarios.
- set up an integrated experimental platform for the execution of motor–cognitive dual-task activities in both static and dynamic conditions;
- develop and validate dual-task performance metrics to better characterize dual-task interference;
- examine changes in dual-task performance over training, with particular attention to learning effects and adaptability.
More specifically, a software platform specifically designed for dual-task activities will be employed and integrated with multiple inertial measurement units (IMUs). Experimental protocols will be implemented with different groups of participants (e.g., healthy adults and, potentially, clinical populations), and the platform will be adapted to multiple use cases, including assessment and training scenarios.
Training Objectives (technical/analytical tools, experimental methodologies)
The student will acquire expertise in:
- the use of a certified robotic medical device;
- conducting experiments with human participants in both clinical and non-clinical environments;
- administering standardized cognitive assessment tests;
- performing data analysis of postural control, cognitive performance, and dual-task outcomes, including appropriate statistical analyses.
- the use of a certified robotic medical device;
- conducting experiments with human participants in both clinical and non-clinical environments;
- administering standardized cognitive assessment tests;
- performing data analysis of postural control, cognitive performance, and dual-task outcomes, including appropriate statistical analyses.
Place(s) where the thesis work will be carried out: dibris & joints labs
Additional information
Maximum number of students: 1