Human Movement Neuroscience 〜Considering the Brain and Body as A System〜
From 2021, we are limiting our research theme in order to restrict too much spread of research themes deepen our discussion within the seminar as follows:
• Neural Oscillation and Bodily/Cognitive Functions
Through physiological studies evaluating oscillations and/or synchronizations of electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) signals, we are trying to systematically understand basic mechanisms of voluntary control and learning of our bodily movements, and cognitive functions.
・Keywords：Corticomuscular coherence, visuomotor coordination, Motor imagery, Neural Plasticity
・Main Equipments： EEG, EMG, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation（TMS）, Sensory electrical stimulation, Mechanical Vibration
• Sports and Rehabilitation Science
By applying outcomes from basic researches, we are trying to evaluate the brain-body system of athletes, artists, and/or patients with movement disorders, and develop new training methods to neural systems.
・Keywords：Motor learning (mainly bimanual movements), Stretch Reflex, Auditory-motor coordination, Daily activities
・Equipment： Robot manipulandum (KINARM), Wireless EMG, TMS, Motion capture, Force plate
• Body-Mind Interaction
By psychological experiments, we are trying to approach simple questions regarding interactions between our body and mind, which we can get through our daily life, and aiming to establish a new axis of our laboratory.
・Keywords：Working Memory, Time perception, Sensory gating
・Equipment： Originally-designed software
In addition, we have been recently embarking studies that will serve as a foundation for creating the ideal educational environment of the future, such as "Effects of chronotype (morning type or night type?) on our cognitive and motor functions" and "Effects of exercise on our cognitive function".
Further, starting in the 2022 academic year, the we are launching a YouTube project named "GyuTube Lab." that will introduce the days at the lab to middle and high school students. We are also recruiting members for the "Outreach Group," which will be involved in the planning and management of these efforts, as well as video editing, so students who wish to join this group are also welcome.
Our brain and body are always interacting each other by sending information named "neural signals", and being essentials for our movements and sensations. In this seminar, by considering the brain and body as a system, we are trying to learn the control and learning mechanisms of our bodily movements and to understand the secrets and essentials of humans from physiological and/or psychological points of view.