Brain and Behaviour research group in RISES
We study perceptual, cognitive and motor processes with the aim to enhance performance and learning of human behaviour in sporting and everyday settings.
We take a multidisciplinary approach using methods from neurophysiology, biomechanics and experimental psychology to investigate two broad and related themes:
1) sensorimotor control of action;
2) expert performance and learning.
Simon Bennett
Professor of Sensorimotor Neuroscience
Our core areas of activity
Sensorimotor control of action
Our research seeks to better understand the sensorimotor processes involved in typical and atypical (e.g., autism spectrum condition, stroke patients, mtbi) human motor behaviour, with the intention to facilitate performance and learning across the lifespan.
Central to our projects is the detailed analysis of human movement across a range of scales from whole-body to upper limb fine motor control, as well as the underlying cognitive, visual, ocular and neural processes.
Our research is conducted in three co-located, purpose-built laboratories that are uniquely equipped to perform motion analysis (Vicon; NDI; Theia), gaze tracking (EyeLink 1000) and non-invasive brain imaging using fNIRS (NIRx) and EEG (Brain Products), while viewing high spatial and temporal resolution 2D visual stimuli (ViewPixx EEG) or interacting with 3D virtual stimuli (VIVE XR Elite).
Expert performance and learning
Our goal is to improve the performance, training and learning of complex, dynamic tasks and domains through research, education and applied solutions.
Expert motor performance is required in most domains including sport, medicine, academia, business, music, law enforcement, teaching and firefighting, among many others. We seek to optimise the acquisition of expert performance in these domains using research evidence and cutting-edge technology.
For our research on issues such as expert anticipation and decision making, and quiet eye training, our lab has two life-size simulation video screens, head-free eye tracking systems (Pupil Labs, Tobii), motion analysis and digital video recording apparatus, and a video editing suite.
For assessment and intervention aimed at improving visual-cognitive function we use a range of software including Gorilla.sc and Labvanced.