Research Project Doctoral Candidate 01

The relationship between cognition and motor variability in ageing and Parkinson Disease (PD) patients

The objective of this research project is to systematically investigate the age- and disease-related changes in grasp control by focusing on the relationship between performance stability (e.g., following perturbations) and system variability (i.e., complex dynamics and multi-finger synergies). In addition, the impact of cognitive control on performance stability and system variability will be explored by a) systematically altering the task and environmental complexity (e.g., asymmetric bimanual tasks, or secondary cognitive tasks) as well as b) comparing older adults with and without PD. We expect age-related changes in performance stability and system variability (e.g., stability of task variables and variable organisation) which are amplified by PD. This research project will further our understanding of the mechanisms of reduced motor control in ageing and PD populations. It will also shed light on the relevance of cognitive functions to motor control.

 

Host Institution

University of Münster, Department Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise

 

Supervisors

Prof. Dr. Claudia Voelcker-Rehage

Dr. Julian Rudisch

 

Secondments 

Aix-Marseille University

Tel-Aviv University