Research Project Doctoral Candidate 07
Effects of increasing variability during training on motor learning: Developing models and concepts for motor rehabilitation (task-specific practice)
Fellow
Host Institution
Tel-Aviv University, Physical Therapy
Supervisor
Project description
As previous studies have been inconclusive regarding the effects of increasing variability during training in motor learning, in this project we will test the effectiveness on motor learning of increasing variability independently in multiple task-relevant dimensions. We will determine whether subject-specific selection of training schedules enhancing variability individually based on a machine learning approach is a useful strategy, and define if there are any correlations between the level of initial variability and improvement during training. We will also test whether increasing variability is a useful tool with stroke patients, who have a higher baseline level of variability as is, and whether it is useful in different age groups, including older adults, and how baseline variability changes over the lifespan. The studies will combine experimental and modelling approaches for examining these questions.
We hypothesize that enhanced movement variability during training may lead to a more efficient learning process, including improvements in transfer skills and long-term outcomes in different populations, and can be applied to a stroke rehabilitation process and to improve motor learning in older groups.
(Planned) Secondments
King's College London
University of Münster