https://coactionslab.com/research/Research AreasHugoBlox Kit (https://hugoblox.com)en-usThu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://coactionslab.com/media/icon_hu_8fb71c95265cc936.pnghttps://coactionslab.com/research/https://coactionslab.com/research/methods-and-techniques/Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://coactionslab.com/research/methods-and-techniques/<h2 id="coming-soon">Coming Soon&hellip;</h2> <!-- ## State-of-the-Art Research Methods Our laboratory employs cutting-edge techniques and advanced equipment to investigate the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying cognition and action. We combine multiple complementary approaches to provide comprehensive insights into brain function and behavior. Beyond utilizing established methods, we actively develop and validate improved methodological approaches to enhance our research capabilities. ### Core Techniques #### Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) **Description:** Non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate neurons in the brain, allowing us to assess corticospinal excitability and investigate causal relationships between brain activity and behavior. **Innovation - Double-Coil TMS Method:** We have developed and validated a double-coil TMS protocol that represents a significant methodological advance. This technique involves: - Simultaneous stimulation over the primary motor cortex of both hemispheres - Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) recorded from muscles in both hands at near-simultaneous timing (approximately 1 ms delay) - **Key advantages:** - Doubles data acquisition efficiency - researchers can acquire twice as much data in the same experimental session - Enables bilateral investigation of corticospinal excitability differences between dominant and non-dominant sides - Increases signal-to-noise ratio significantly by allowing within-trial comparisons - Allows novel dependent measures reflecting the difference or ratio between corticospinal excitability in the two hands **Applications in Our Lab:** - Assessment of preparatory inhibition bilaterally - Investigation of motor preparation processes - Study of corticospinal excitability changes during movement preparation #### Electroencephalography (EEG) **Description:** High-temporal-resolution neural recording technique that captures brain oscillations and event-related potentials during cognitive and motor tasks. **Key Features:** - Millisecond-level temporal resolution - Non-invasive measurement of electrical brain activity - Captures sensorimotor oscillations (mu and beta rhythms) - Suitable for identifying brain states and cognitive processes #### Closed-Loop EEG-TMS System **Description:** State-of-the-art integration of EEG and TMS technologies that enables real-time feedback between brain measurement and stimulation. **Research Goals:** - Understand how sensorimotor oscillations influence brain excitability - Investigate the phase-dependency of TMS effects on corticospinal excitability - Study how mu and beta rhythms modulate motor preparation and motor behavior - Establish causal links between specific brain oscillation phases and motor control **Innovation Aspect:** This closed-loop system represents a frontier technology allowing researchers to stimulate the brain at precise phases of oscillatory activity, providing unprecedented insights into how brain rhythms control behavior. #### Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) **Description:** Neuroimaging technique that measures blood flow changes to identify brain regions involved in cognitive and motor processes. **Applications in Our Lab:** - Identification of brain regions involved in decision-making - Investigation of neural substrates of inhibitory control - Localization of motor learning-related brain activation - Investigation of neural mechanisms in clinical populations #### Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) **Description:** Non-invasive neuromodulation approach that stimulates the vagus nerve through electrical stimulation on the skin surface. **Research Focus:** - Enhancement of cognitive performance - Investigation of autonomic nervous system effects on behavior - Study of arousal-related modulation of motor behavior - Potential therapeutic applications for cognitive enhancement #### Behavioral & Cognitive Tasks **Description:** Precisely designed experimental paradigms developed to measure human performance and neural correlates. **Measurement Parameters:** - Reaction time and accuracy - Learning curves across practice - Strategic decision-making processes - Speed-accuracy tradeoffs - Motor skill acquisition **Task Characteristics:** - Controlled laboratory settings - Real-time performance feedback - Adaptive difficulty levels - Multiple outcome measures ### Integration & Validation Our research philosophy emphasizes the integration of multiple methodologies. For example: - **Behavioral measures** provide metrics of task performance (accuracy, reaction time) - **TMS** offers causal insights into motor system function - **EEG** reveals the timing and oscillatory dynamics of neural processes - **fMRI** identifies the anatomical localization of neural activity - **tVNS** allows manipulation of arousal states to assess their influence on cognition and action This multi-method approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying decision-making, inhibitory control, and motor learning. ### Data Analysis & Computational Methods Beyond data acquisition, we employ sophisticated data analysis approaches: - Signal processing techniques for EEG and fMRI data - Machine learning approaches for pattern recognition - Statistical modeling of behavioral data - Computational neuroscience frameworks for understanding neural mechanisms ## Future Directions We continue to: - Refine existing techniques for improved sensitivity and specificity - Develop novel methodological approaches - Integrate emerging technologies into our research programs - Collaborate with other laboratories to validate and extend our methods Our commitment to methodological innovation ensures that our research remains at the forefront of neuroscience research and provides the most accurate and comprehensive understanding of human cognition and action.https://coactionslab.com/research/populations-studied/Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://coactionslab.com/research/populations-studied/<h2 id="coming-soon">Coming Soon&hellip;</h2> <!-- ## Research Populations We conduct cutting-edge research with diverse populations to understand the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying decision-making, cognitive control, and motor learning. Our research includes both healthy volunteers and clinical populations, enabling us to investigate fundamental principles of brain function and how these mechanisms are altered in various neurological and psychiatric conditions. ### Healthy Populations #### Healthy Adults **Description:** Participants across various age groups who perform cognitive and motor tasks in our laboratory studies. **Research Focus:** - Investigation of baseline neural and behavioral mechanisms in decision-making - Exploration of motor learning and skill acquisition - Study of cognitive control processes - Normative data collection for comparison with clinical populations **Key Characteristics:** - Diverse age ranges to study developmental changes - Carefully screened for neurological and psychiatric conditions - Undergo comprehensive behavioral and neurobehavioral assessments - Participate in tasks requiring decision-making and motor control #### Healthy Adolescents **Description:** Investigation of the effects of not fully developed inhibitory control in healthy adolescents. **Research Significance:** - Understanding how developmental trajectories of inhibitory control shape decision-making and motor behavior - Exploring the neural bases of adolescent-specific behavior patterns - Examining the maturation of corticospinal excitability and motor control - Investigating how speed-accuracy trade-offs develop during adolescence **Key Focus Areas:** - Preparatory inhibition and response threshold adjustments - Motor planning and execution in developing brains - Cognitive control processes during adolescence - Neural mechanisms underlying adolescent behavior ### Clinical Populations #### Patients with Parkinson's Disease **Description:** Investigation of motor control and decision-making in patients with Parkinson's disease. **Research Focus:** - Understanding how dopaminergic dysfunction affects decision-making processes - Exploring motor control deficits and their neural bases - Investigating the impact of motor planning difficulties on movement execution - Examining response vigor and motivation in Parkinson's disease **Clinical Relevance:** - Insights into motor symptom mechanisms - Potential therapeutic targets for improving motor function - Understanding cognitive aspects of movement disorders - Developing rehabilitation strategies #### Individuals with Addiction Disorders **Description:** Studying cognitive control and decision-making in individuals suffering from addiction. **Research Focus:** - Examining impaired decision-making and risk assessment in addiction - Investigating deficits in inhibitory control and impulse regulation - Exploring how reward systems are altered in addiction - Understanding the neural basis of addiction-related behavior changes **Key Questions:** - How does addiction affect the speed-accuracy trade-off in decision-making? - What are the neural correlates of impaired inhibitory control in addiction? - How do motor control deficits contribute to addictive behaviors? - What interventions can improve cognitive control in addiction? #### Individuals with Anxiety Disorders **Description:** Investigating the effect of high arousal levels on decision-making and motor control in people with anxiety. **Research Focus:** - Understanding how elevated arousal affects decision speed and accuracy - Exploring motor control changes under high anxiety states - Investigating the neural mechanisms of anxiety-related behavioral changes - Examining fear-related response patterns and inhibitory control **Key Areas of Investigation:** - Speed-accuracy trade-offs in anxious individuals - Motor preparation and execution under stress - Neural correlates of anxiety-driven decision-making - Effect of arousal level on corticospinal excitability