Neuropsychology Lab
We use a variety of methods to study the role of sensory information for perception and motor control and how these two processes interact. You can find a copy of our lab guide here.
For example, we have access to the following resources:
Neurolab participant database
The lab has excellent access to clinical populations and accompanying data for studies including stroke, traumatic brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, cranial nerve disorders (facial palsy), and limb differences (amputation, congenital limb loss). We have our own database of participants who have agreed to take part in our research and who can be contacted for new projects. This database is ethically approved and managed by our lab but is accessible upon request (contact Dr. Rossit). The database was established via NHS research links established by Dr. Rossit with funding from the Stroke Association and NIHR.
Functional Neuroimaging & 'Real' fMRI
We use fMRI for both cognitive and clinical neuroscience studies at UEA & in NHS Trusts around England. The lab has access to the UEA Welcome-Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre (UWWBIC). At UWWBIC we use our MRI-compatible turntable and are one of the few labs in the world that can measure brain activation whilst humans interact with 'real' 3D objects without the use of mirrors. The lab also has excellent links with clinical scanning facilities around the country.
VR & XR
We have excellent AR/VR/XR set-ups including a Varjo headset with embedded eye-tracking.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive method used to investigate causal relationship between brain and behaviour. In the lab we have access to a Magstim Rapid2 system, that can run a variety o TMS protocols including single pulse, paired-pulse and repetitive trains. Moreover, a BrainSight frameless stereotactic system can be used for accurate stimulation targeting and online monitoring of coil placement during the stimulation.
Motion-Tracking System (Qualisys)
Using Infrared emitting diode markers attached to the body, our motion-tracking camera system is able to record movements from any part of the body with high spatial and temporal precision.
PLATO vision occlusion spectacles
To control 3D stimulus presentation at the millisecond level, our PLATO goggles are programmed to switch between occlusion and vision.
Real Action set-ups
We have developed various tables and platforms for reaching and grasping experiments in horizontal and vertical orientation. Within these set-ups we have LEDs, a response button and a slot for placing 3D objects. The PLATO goggles, the motion-tracking cameras and these set-ups are all be controlled via a trigger box (containing an I/O card which receives triggers from Matlab).