B04 Modelling of hyper adaptability in human postural control considering the role of neurotransmitters
Research Outline
Jun OTA
The study in this research group aims to verify the following hypothesis from the viewpoint of reconstitution of sensorimotor control rules of the hyper-adaptation functions: Neurotransmitters (such as dopamine; DA), whose levels are reduced in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, adjust the activity levels in various brain areas and coupling strength between neuronal circuits as well as control the multitasking function.
The term “multitasking function” denotes the ability to execute multiple tasks smoothly and simultaneously. To achieve this, we attempt to build a mathematical model that considers the role of neurotransmitters in posture control in co-operation with the A04 research group and other B01-B04 research groups. We address the study in three steps. 1) Verification of the role of neurotransmitters in posture control. The function necessary for multitasking is assumed to be impaired in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, and neuronal degeneration and abnormalities in neurotransmitters are thought to exist. To verify the role of the neurotransmitters in multitasking, we focus on neurotransmitters that may change in patients with Parkinson’s disease. 2) Development of a multitasking representation model that considers the role of neurotransmitters in posture control. A mathematical multitasking model will be developed to integrate information regarding neurotransmitters from a micro-viewpoint and information regarding behavioral and physiological reactions from a macro-viewpoint that appear to result from information processing. 3) Verification of this mathematical model using data obtained from humans.
Our project focuses on the following three specific themes. 1) Establishment of a method to evaluate the multitasking ability. Posture control with an applied cognitive load will be used as a model of multitasking. A method to evaluate the multitasking ability in healthy individuals and patients will be established. A protocol to design multitasking and measure physiological reactions during multitasking will be established. 2) Development of a multi-layer brain–physical activity integration model that comprises an appropriate network among (a) brain-activity dynamic model, (b) sensory motor-control system model, and (c) physical musculoskeletal model. 3) Verification of the built model. Data from 1) will be integrated into the model built in 2) to verify the model.
We attempt to “build a mathematical model for change in brain representation of the sensorimotor control rules considering the neurotransmitters” by performing research on the aforementioned subjects. The model proposed here is expected to provide a base for therapeutic strategies for multitasking rehabilitation.
Members
| Principal investigator | Jun OTA | Professor, The University of Tokyo |
| Funded co-investigator | Arito YOZU | Associate Professor, The University of Tokyo |
| Co-investigator | Shohei SHIRAFUJI | Assistant Professor, The University of Tokyo |
| Kohei KAMINISHI | Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Tokyo | |
| Enrico Piovanelli | Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Tokyo | |
| Ryota TAKAMIDO | Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Tokyo | |
| Tetsuya HASEGAWA | Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Tokyo | |
| Yutaka KOHNO | Professor, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences | |
| Daisuke ISHII | Assistant Professor, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences | |
| Hiroshi KISHIMOTO | Lecturer, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences | |
| Hiroshi YUINE | Assistant Professor, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences | |
| Kiyoshige ISHIBASHI | Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences | |
| Hiroyuki HAMADA | Assistant, Bunkyo Gakuin University | |
| Mariko MIYATA | Professor, Tokyo Women’s Medical University | |
| Moeko KANAYA | Assistant Professor, Tokyo Women’s Medical University | |
| Hironobu OSAKI | Program-Specific Associate Professor, Doshisha University | |
| Michihiro KAWANO | Professor, Saku University | |
| Yoshihide KANAI | Lecturer, Saitama Medical University | |
| Yuichiro OMURA | Ph.D Student, The University of Tokyo | |
| Hitohiro ETOH | Master Student, The University of Tokyo | |
| Xiyu Hou | Master Student, The University of Tokyo | |
| Kota SONODA | Master Student, The University of Tokyo | |
| Yuhei FUJIWARA | Graduate Student, The University of Tokyo | |
| HUANG Rui | Graduate Student, The University of Tokyo | |
| Huyutake MAKINO | Master Student, The University of Tokyo | |
| Naoki ORIHARA | Undergraduate Student, The University of Tokyo | |
| Ritsuki NISHIZAWA | Undergraduate Student, The University of Tokyo | |
| Moichi ISHIKAWA | Undergraduate Student, The University of Tokyo |