Aging Sensory Processing

Welcome to our lab, where we are committed to studying the potential benefits of exercise and virtual reality on cognitive and physical function in older adults. Aging can affect sensory processing abilities, which can impact daily life and increase the risk of falls. Our lab is dedicated to investigating these effects and developing evidence-based interventions to improve the well-being of older adults.

We utilize a range of scientific methods, including response time, simultaneity judgments, temporal-order judgments, and machine learning classifiers, to investigate these effects. By analyzing the data we gather, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of how exercise and virtual reality can enhance cognitive and physical function in older adults.

One approach we take is to use virtual reality as a tool to promote exercise among older adults. By creating custom-made VR exergaming interventions, we aim to encourage physical activity and improve overall well-being in this population. Our research has provided valuable insights into the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of using co-designed VR exergames to promote physical activity among community-dwelling older adults.

We also investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on audiovisual multisensory processing. By measuring response time, simultaneity judgments, and temporal-order judgments, we aim to better understand how aerobic exercise may improve temporal perception precision and multisensory integration through broad neural changes.

Additionally, we explore how fall perception changes with age and the implications this has for fall prevention strategies and rehabilitative training exercises. Our research has found that older adults require nearly twice as long as younger adults to perceive falls and comparison sound stimuli as simultaneous. These findings may help identify important factors for innovative fall prevention strategies and rehabilitative training exercises to improve fall awareness.

By conducting rigorous scientific studies, we aim to uncover the mechanisms underlying the effects of aging on sensory processing and develop interventions to mitigate its impact. Our ultimate goal is to promote the well-being of older adults and improve their quality of life through innovative technology-based interventions. Welcome to our lab, where science informs a better future for aging populations.