AXIS 1

Sensory, motor and cognitive functions and activities

Axis 1 includes 42 regular researchers and 14 associate researchers and the work is divided into 2 themes:

• Theme 1: Functional mechanisms
  Thematic Unit Leader: Johanne Higgins, Ph.D.

 

 

 

• Theme 2: Physical and cognitive activities
  Axis and Thematic Unit Leader:Marie-Hélène Boudrias, Ph.D.

 

 

 

 

The diversified research interests focus on the mechanisms of locomotion, balance, vision, hearing, cognition, memory, language, and nociception in various neurological and physiological disorders (stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, craniocerebral trauma, visual, language and auditory impairment). Although the research activities are grouped under two thematic units, the interests of a number of researchers overlap these two themes.

Emphasis is placed on the development of interventions using virtual reality and robotics in order to evaluate and treat problems related to motor functions and locomotion in clients with central nervous system lesions. Based on state-of-the-art technologies, this research axis also aims to increase knowledge about the fundamental mechanisms leading to new rehabilitation assessments and personalized interventions. Thus, work in electrophysiology, biomechanics, robotics and neuroimaging continues in order to better understand the mechanisms linking disabilities to limitations in the activities of daily life.

This research also focuses on strengthening the autonomy and social integration of seniors with auditory impairments. Finally, the study of the development of language in young Francophone children, the impacts of bilingualism and the study of the functional links between language and motor skills are integrated into this axis.

In parallel with this research, tools are developed and validated to specifically evaluate rehabilitation.