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Research

Dr. Sosnoff's research focuses primarily on the underlying neurophysiological and behavioral factors responsible for fluctuations (i.e. variability) in performance across the lifespan. This research interest is based on the rationale that a better understanding of these mechanisms will facilitate the development of practical interventions capable of minimizing the negative aspects of the aging process. In order to study how variability of performance fluctuates over time he utilizes a robust set of traditional and non-linear analytical techniques founded in psychology, engineering and physics. Importantly, his interest in variability does not limit his research to a single protocol, but rather allows for the utilization of numerous motor tasks and experimental designs. As such research in the Motor Control Laboratory occurs at multiple levels of analysis ranging from physiological characteristics of single motor units to behavioral characteristics of postural control.

Current Projects

Aging, Physiological Complexity and Disability

The ability to predict and subsequently prevent adverse outcomes of the aging process is a fundamental goal of geriatrics and gerontology. With advanced age, there is an increased risk of functional limitation and disability that severely impacts quality of life. However, there currently are insufficient methods to detect individuals at greatest risk for developing functional limitations and disability. This project is designed to examine the relationship between physiological complexity (i.e. dynamic variability), functional decline and disability in community-dwelling older adults. Overall, this project will: 1) generate new approaches to the prediction of functional limitations and disability in community-dwelling older adults using non-invasive measures of physiological complexity; and 2) will lead to better understanding of the physiological determinants of functional limitations and disability in community-dwelling older adults. This project is a collaborative effort between Dr. Sosnoff, Dr. McAuley, Dr. Rosengren and Dr. Hsiao-Wecksler from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This project has received funding from the Mary J. Neer Disability Research Fund.

Aging, Cardioballistics and Motor Variability

It is well known that older adults’ movements are more variable and exhibit less complexity than younger adults. Yet, the mechanisms driving these age differences are not clear. The purpose of this project is to examine the impact of age on cardioballistics (CB), the mechanical perturbation caused by the contraction of the heart and subsequent ejection of blood and its relation to motor variability. It is hypothesized that older adults’ increased motor variability is linked to an increase in CB. It has previously been shown that CB impacts motor output. However, it is not clear if age mediates the role of CB. The identification of a mechanism, such as cardiovascular function, that contributes to age differences in motor variability across a wide range of motor tasks would allow for the development of focused interventions capable of reducing age related increases in motor variability – with the ultimate goal of maximizing quality of life. This project is a collaborative effort between Dr. Sosnoff and Dr. Fernhall. This project has received funding from the University of Illinois Research Board.

The Control of Discrete and Continuous Force Production

The precise control of force production is essential for voluntary movements. Traditionally, the ability of individuals to control force output has been examined with two distinct experimental methodologies: discrete and continuous force paradigms. In discrete force paradigms, participants produce a certain amount of force in a given time over multiple trials. In contrast within continuous force paradigms, participants maintain a force level for a given amount of time. Both of these approaches have revealed a great deal of information concerning the underlying mechanisms of force control. However, very few studies have examined the association between discrete and continuous force production. The objective of this project is to examine the relation between discrete and continuous force production tasks. In determining the relation between force variability in these two paradigms, we can acquire a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of force control. This project is a collaborative effort between Dr. Sosnoff, Dr. Carlton and Kinesiology master student Ed Ofori.