Equipment for the tracking of complex human motor control strategies

在我们忙碌的生活中，多任务处理已经变得司空见惯。有一段时间，站立和步态被认为是“自动”的任务，需要很少的认知输入，但我们现在知道，要同时执行多个任务，我们的中枢神经系统（CNS）必须将正在进行的运动动作与认知思维过程结合起来；由于我们没有有限的认知资源，我们也知道，当我们同时从事认知和运动任务（“双重任务”）时，其中一项或两项活动的表现都会下降。******这个RTI请求是对我的NSERC资助的研究项目的追求至关重要的设备，特别是一个运动跟踪系统，以获得复杂的人类运动模式的详细测量，以及一个头戴式虚拟现实（VR）系统，将提供灵活性，以测试广泛的基于视觉的训练范例。******技术的新进步使3D光学运动跟踪取得了令人印象深刻的进展。强大的摄像系统可以追踪单个或一系列的身体标记，具有高度的准确性和令人印象深刻的拍摄量。与计算机和软件处理能力的显著改进相结合，这些现代系统使得追踪复杂的人体运动模式成为可能，而成本只是旧的、技术不那么先进的系统的一小部分。所要求的相机将取代制造商不再支持的老化实验室设备（即2005年最初购买的设备）。磨损和缺乏替换部件（即标记、电缆）导致实验测试和处理能力大幅下降，因此更换的需求已变得极其迫切。替换设备和相关软件将提供先进的运动跟踪功能，这将支持圭尔夫大学的创新研究和培训。******类似的VR技术的进步现在为神经力学和人体运动的研究提供了令人兴奋和创新的增强。所要求的虚拟现实系统将提供一个视觉沉浸式的“现实生活”环境，这将极大地增强我们的双任务性能测试和培训。因为它被认为使用起来很“有趣”，这个系统也有望提高参与者的参与度和对可能持续数周的学习的留存率。******新设备将与申请人实验室已经提供的其他测量工具（例如测力板）无缝集成，以实现前所未有的复杂人体运动捕获。利用这些数据，将开发复杂的模型来阐明神经运动控制的潜在机制，并为制定策略提供信息，以提高双任务时的表现。这项研究对广泛的最终用户（例如，经常执行复杂运动任务的人以及具有挑战性的认知任务，如军事或紧急服务人员）具有重要的知识翻译潜力。

Multitasking has become commonplace in the course of our busy lives. At one time, stance and gait were thought of as ‘automatic' tasks requiring little cognitive input, but we now know that to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, our central nervous system (CNS) must integrate ongoing motor actions with cognitive thought processes; as we do not have a finite amount of cognitive resources we also know that when we engage in concurrent cognitive and locomotor tasks (“dual-tasking”) there is a decline in the performance of one or both activities. ******This RTI request is for equipment is essential for the pursuit of my NSERC funded research program, specifically a motion tracking system to acquire detailed measurements of complex human movement patterns, and a head-mounted virtual reality (VR) system that will provide flexibility to test a wide range of visually-based training paradigms. ******New advances in technology have led to impressive gains in 3D optical motion tracking. Powerful camera systems can track single or an array of body markers with a high degree of accuracy and over an impressive filming volume. Paired with phenomenal improvements in computer and software processing capabilities, these modern systems make it possible to track complex human movement patterns at a fraction of the cost of older, less technologically advanced systems. The requested cameras will replace aging laboratory equipment (i.e. originally purchased in 2005) no longer supported by the manufacturer. Wear and tear and the lack of replacement parts (i.e. markers, cables) have resulted in a massive reduction in experimental testing and processing capacity, thus the need for a replacement has become critically urgent. The replacement equipment and associated software will offer advanced motion tracking capabilities, which will support innovative research and training at the University of Guelph. ******Similar advances in VR technology now offer exciting and innovative enhancements for the study of neural mechanics and human movement. The requested VR system will provide a visually immersive “real life” environment that will dramatically enhance our dual-task performance testing and training. Because it is perceived as “fun” to use, this system is also expected to enhance participant engagement and retention for studies that can run several weeks.******New equipment will be seamlessly integrated with other measurement tools already present the applicant's lab (e.g. force plates) to enable unprecedented capture of complex human movement. Using this data, complex models will be developed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of neuromotor control, and to inform the development of strategies to improve performance while dual tasking. This research has significant knowledge translation potential for a wide range of end users (e.g., people who regularly perform complex motor tasks coupled with challenging cognitive tasks such as military or emergency service personnel).