Human Performance Clinical Research Laboratory Research

Here at the Movement Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Laboratory, we use behavioral neuroscience approaches and passive monitoring technology to study cognitive and motor impairments for improving functional independence and quality of life in older adults and those with neurological conditions.

Current Studies

I-Drive study

This study aims to identify behavioral markers of decline in driving function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.

Funding Sponsor: Alzheimer’s Association.

Status: In Progress (Currently recruiting). If you are interested, please fill in your information below.

Come-Drive Study

This study aims to investigate behavioral fluctuations in motor and cognitive performance to identify behavioral markers of decline in driving function in individuals with stroke and mild cognitive impairment.

Funding Sponsor:  National Institutes of Health

Status: Enrollment Complete

B-Fast Study

This study aims to identify sensitive balance and walking related markers to better predicts falls after stroke to promote safety.

Funding Sponsor: American Heart Association

Status: Complete

In the News

Latest Updates on Dr. Neha Lodha's Research and Initiatives

Dr. Lodha Selected for Fellowship in Clinical Trials for ADRD

Dr. Lodha selected for fellowship track a Institute on Methods and Protocols for Advancement of Clinical Trials in ADRD

Dr. Lodha Awarded Alzheimer’s Association Grant for Behavioral Fluctuations Study

Dr. Lodha was awarded Alzheimer’s Association grant to investigate behavioral fluctuations to identify behavioral markers of decline in mobility in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

Dr. Lodha Discusses Neuroscience, Dance, and Driving Simulators

Dr. Lodha talks neuroscience, dance and driving simulators

Dr. Lodha Featured in Podcast for Stroke Awareness Month

May is a stroke awareness month. Dr. Neha Lodha was invited to the podcast on stroke awareness.

Dr. Lodha Interviewed by CSU SOURCE on Stroke Research

Dr. Neha was interviewed by CSU SOURCE on her stroke research “CSU researcher studies how to help stroke survivors function better in everyday life”

Summer Mobility Clinic Offers Fall and Driving Risk Assessments for Seniors

SUMMER MOBILITY CLINIC  offered individuals above 60 years of age an opportunity to get assessments of your fall and driving crash risk. More information here.

Our Research Equipment

At the forefront of cutting-edge research, we utilize advanced equipment to explore and enhance our understanding of cognitive health, mobility, and stroke recovery. Our state-of-the-art tools enable precise assessments and support groundbreaking studies, providing invaluable data to drive innovative treatments and improve quality of life for individuals with neurological conditions.

Fitness to Drive Testing in Driving Simulator

Passive Monitoring Sensor for On-Road Driving

Tracking Driving Space with Passive monitors

Seeking Participants

We are recruiting individuals for the I-Drive study. Individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as healthy older adults, can participate. Please provide your name and contact information, and we will reach out to you.

Join our research study

Publications

The functional implication of post-stroke cognitive impairments has not been well studied. We found that reduced cognitive reserve is linked to greater motor inconsistency in individuals with stroke cognitive Impairment disrupts functional mobility in stroke survivors. Cognitive impairments in individuals with stroke

Cognitive and motor deficits contribute to longer braking time in stroke

Amplified intraindividual variability in motor performance in stroke survivors: Links to cognitive and clinical outcomes

Traditionally, cognitive and motor impairments are quantified by mean-level motor performance. However, this mean-level approach neglects the well-established fact that motor performance becomes highly variable in aging and disease. We found that increased intra-individual variability (IIV) in behavior predicts functional decline. Intra-individual variability in behavior

Amplified intraindividual variability in motor performance in stroke survivors: Links to cognitive and clinical outcomes

Implications of intra-individual variability in motor performance on functional mobility in stroke survivors

Driving is one of the top two forms of functional mobility in older adults. We found that the motor impairments in accuracy, but not strength influences driving mobility in healthy older adults and individuals with stroke Driving mobility impairments in aging and disease

Impaired force control contributes to car steering dysfunction in chronic stroke

Sex differences in cognitive-motor components of braking in older adults 

Motor output variability impairs reactive driving in older adults

Strength or motor control: What matters in high-functioning stroke?

Rehabilitation of walking and driving performance is a challenging goal in stroke patients because of the heterogeneity of the disease. In small, randomized control trials in high-functioning stroke survivors, we found that motor control training was superior to strength training in improving gait variability and movement execution speed during braking. Behavioral intervention trials to improve functional mobility

Motor training after stroke: a novel approach for driving rehabilitation

Force-control versus strength training: The effect on gait variability in stroke survivors

Upper extremity improvements in chronic stroke: coupled bilateral load training

Long-term rehabilitation for chronic stroke arm movements: a randomized controlled trial

Bilateral movement training and stroke motor recovery progress: a structured review and meta-analysis

Increase in motor variability impairs our ability to perform accurate movements, learn new motor tasks and use tools. We found that the modulation of force oscillations below 1Hz contributes to increased motor variability in aging and neurological diseases. Neurophysiological mechanisms of motor variability

Force control predicts fine motor dexterity in high-functioning stroke survivors

Low-frequency oscillations in the human motor output

Increased force variability in chronic stroke: contributions of force modulation below 1 Hz

Force control and degree of motor impairments in chronic stroke

Recovery of walking function is a key rehabilitation goal following stroke. We found that impairments in movement accuracy, stride variability, or coordination contribute to increased fall risk and reduced overground walking. Walking mobility and fall risk in individual with stroke

Gait variability predicts real-life falls in high-functioning stroke survivors

Increased temporal stride variability contributes to impaired gait coordination after stroke

Endpoint accuracy of goal-directed ankle movements relates to over-ground walking stroke

EMG synchrony to assess impaired corticomotor control of locomotion after stroke

Balance capabilities after lateral ankle trauma and intervention: a meta-analysis

The ability to generate and modulate forces effectively is critical for performing functions. We found that bimanual force deficits are contributed by increased motor variability, motor asymmetry and reduced coordination. Bimanual control in aging and disease

Does the contribution of the paretic hand to bimanual tasks change with grip strength capacity following stroke?

Functional implications of impaired bimanual force coordination in chronic stroke

Dynamic bimanual force control in chronic stroke: contribution of non-paretic and paretic hands

 Bimanual control differs between force increment and force decrement

Bimanual force control strategies in chronic stroke: finger extension versus power grip

Bimanual isometric force control: asymmetry and coordination evidence post stroke