Research projects
All the research projects of the Institute of Movement and Neuroscience you can find in our Research Information System (FIS)
Some running projects you can find here:
FocusRUN
FocusRun
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common irregularities in neurological development, impacting individuals even in adulthood. Nevertheless, previous therapeutic approaches have primarily targeted younger populations and have proven to be partly insufficient. Physical exercise could be a promising adjunct to this conventional approach, but the effects of running on ADHD symptoms in adults remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigate various training methods (continuous vs. interval) and exercise intensities (moderate vs. intensive) in running to analyze the psychological and neurophysiological effects.
| Research coordination |
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| Research associates | Leonard Braunsmann |
| Project Partners | Dr. Aylin Mehren (University Hospital Bonn, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy) |
ClearMind
1/f – a neurophysiological correlate in sport? The impact of subjective well-being during running on non-oscillatory brain activity
"Running to clear your mind" – But how exactly does running alter brain cortical activity? What influence does mental well-being have on this process? This study aims to investigate the effects of subjective well-being on brain activity in healthy runners, specifically in relation to non-oscillatory brain cortical activity. The aim of this study is to better understand the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in running.
| Research associates | Leonard Braunsmann |
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| Research coordination | Dr. Vera Abeln |
NEUROACTISO (SIRIUS)
NeuroActIso Bodyfitness = Brainfitness - Impact of physical activity on brain performance and health during isolation (SIRIUS)
Running exercise could reduce some of the undesirable effects of microgravity. While endurance exercise is known to be effective in preventing bone and muscle loss and counteracting the detrimental effects of weightlessness on circulation, it has been suggested that efficiency might be increased if intervals instead of continuous running exercise is applied (see application of cooperation partner and PI Hoffmann). Interval training is thought to higher perfusion kinetics and may therefore support brain perfusion and brain performance. Little is known about immediate and prolonged effects of continuous or intermittent running exercise with moderate to submaximal intensity on cognitive performance. This research proposal aims at clarifying the beneficial as well as the adverse effects of continuous versus intermittent running exercise on cognitive abilities in a ground based space analog condition.
| Research coordination | Dr. Vera Abeln |
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| Research associates | Leonard Braunsmann, WMA |
| Project Partners | Uwe Hoffmann, Institut of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics, German Sports University Cologne |
Neurogravity (AGBRESA)
Effect of artificial gravity regimens on neurocognitive performance during head down tilt bedrest (AGBRESA)
Another supposable countermeasure against undesirable effects of microgravity is the application of short bouts of Artificial Gravity (AG). While centrifugation could be effective in preventing bone and muscle loss and counteracting the detrimental effects of weightlessness on circulation, little is known about immediate and prolonged effects of AG on cognitive performance. This research proposal aims at clarifying the beneficial as well as the adverse effects of centrifugation on cognitive abilities in a ground based space analog condition.
| Research coordination | Dr. Vera Abeln |
|---|---|
| Research associates | Leonard Braunsmann, WMA |
| Project Partners | Dr. Lászlo Balázs and Prof. Dr. Istán Czigler |
AgeGain
How can cognitive health be preserved into old age? What influence do cognitive and physical training have on cognitive performance and transfer of cognitive abilities to different situations in elderly? In a large multicenter study, scientists of the University Medical Center of Mainz, the University of Rostock, the University Hospital of Cologne and the German Sport University of Cologne are investigating the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the age-related reduced capability to transfer cognitive training gains.
| Main Project Coordination | Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. |
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| Project Coordination German Sport University Cologne | Prof. Dr. Heiko Strüder, Prof. Dr. Andreas Mierau |
| Project Partners | Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, |
| Project Collaborators German Sport University Cologne | Dr. Kristel Knaepen, |
PASS_Isolation
Physical activity for better sleep and psychophysiological state during Isolation (PASS_Isolation)
Sleep and related psychophysiological impairments are known to occur during long-term isolation (space research). One potential countermeasure against these impairments is physical activity. Day and night physical activity as well as sleep quality and quantity are monitored via actigraphy. Psychophysiological state is assessed and correlated with brain electroencephalographic activity (EEG), personality and blood data. The aim is to develop recommendations for exercise and sleep interventions for long-term isolated people as well as the general population.
| Research coordination | Dr. Vera Abeln |
|---|---|
| Research associates | Florian Javelle, WHK |
| Project Partners | DLR, NASA, BMWi |
Neuroexercise
The Neuroexercise project aims to study the effects of a moderate one-year aerobic training versus a moderate stretching and toning intervention as well as an inactive control on the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is often a preliminary stage of dementia.
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| Network-coordinator | Prof. Dr. Dr. Stefan Schneider |
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| Research associates | Dr. Vera Abeln, |