University of Utah · EngineeringPliner MotorLab
Erika M Pliner · Salt Lake City, Utah
Research Focus
Dr. Erika M. Pliner's research focuses on understanding how cognitive and motor processes influence the ability of older adults to engage in stepping-based exercises, which are crucial for fall prevention. With a rising older population experiencing increased fall rates, her lab aims to optimize exercise interventions by studying how age and task complexity affect stepping efficacy. By using innovative mobile EEG technology, the team seeks to uncover objective biomarkers that can help tailor interventions and improve safety and quality of life for seniors.
fall preventioncognitive-motor processesvolitional steppingaging interventionsbiomarkerselectroencephalographymotion captureexercise programsolder adultscognitive assessments
Research Aims
5AIM 01Characterize the electrocortical activity related to effective stepping by age group and task complexity.
AIM 02Discover new biomarkers for fall prevention linked to cognitive-motor processes of effective stepping in older adults.
AIM 03Quantify the effects of age-ability and task complexity on stepping performance.
AIM 04Optimize volitional stepping training interventions based on identified cognitive-motor processes.
AIM 05Enhance the efficacy of fall prevention strategies in older adults through tailored exercise programs.
Skills the Lab Values
electroencephalography (EEG)motion captureclinical assessment techniquesdata analysis softwareexercise intervention designcognitive testing methodsparticipant recruitment strategiesstatistical analysisresearch methodologiesexperimental design
Output against the department
Publications37bottom 4% of dept.266th of 278
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations396bottom 4% of dept.267th of 278
this lab
most citedleast cited
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