Advisor Information

Kota Takahashi

Location

Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library

Presentation Type

Poster

Start Date

3-3-2017 9:00 AM

End Date

3-3-2017 10:15 AM

Abstract

The Biomechanics Research Building (BRB) is presently using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure and understand brain activity during human movement and exercise. Compared to other brain activity measuring methods, which require subjects to remain very still during recording, fNIRS allows researchers to study brain activity while subjects perform a range of movement tasks. It is consequently a useful tool for studying movements (e.g. walking) that are not conducive to conventional methods of measuring brain activity. Experiments using fNIRS can vary dramatically in duration depending upon the research question. Some experimental methods contain multiple trials for short time intervals, while others call for monitoring of the brain for longer intervals. The default fNIRS cap consists of a rubber square with sixteen circular holes for the sensors, which project outward and are secured in place by plastic housing and collets. Although the default cap is attached to the participant’s head with two elastic straps, the default cap is prone to unwanted movement and is uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. My goal for this project was to design and test a more versatile cap and sensor mounting system that was also more comfortable. The new cap was designed to provide researchers with a greater range of sensor configurations for monitoring different brain regions that were otherwise unavailable using the default cap. Manufacturing and testing of the new design was conducted at the BRB.

COinS
 
Mar 3rd, 9:00 AM Mar 3rd, 10:15 AM

The effect of auditory stimulation on human movement variability and associated cortical involvement

Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library

The Biomechanics Research Building (BRB) is presently using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure and understand brain activity during human movement and exercise. Compared to other brain activity measuring methods, which require subjects to remain very still during recording, fNIRS allows researchers to study brain activity while subjects perform a range of movement tasks. It is consequently a useful tool for studying movements (e.g. walking) that are not conducive to conventional methods of measuring brain activity. Experiments using fNIRS can vary dramatically in duration depending upon the research question. Some experimental methods contain multiple trials for short time intervals, while others call for monitoring of the brain for longer intervals. The default fNIRS cap consists of a rubber square with sixteen circular holes for the sensors, which project outward and are secured in place by plastic housing and collets. Although the default cap is attached to the participant’s head with two elastic straps, the default cap is prone to unwanted movement and is uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. My goal for this project was to design and test a more versatile cap and sensor mounting system that was also more comfortable. The new cap was designed to provide researchers with a greater range of sensor configurations for monitoring different brain regions that were otherwise unavailable using the default cap. Manufacturing and testing of the new design was conducted at the BRB.