Student: Elani Bykowski

Type of Project: Basic, Translational, Mind and Body

Grant Type: Undergraduate

Year of Award: 2016

Supervisor: Dr. John Doan

Institution: University of Lethbridge

Background: People with Parkinson’s disease have the paradoxical ability to perform complex motor tasks, such as ice skating, despite mobility and gait issues. This study seeks to identify what perceptual experiences are necessary to promote this increased mobility, and will use eye-tracking and balance platform to track these changes while participants watch videos of ice skating.

Results: This study is currently underway

Impact: The study will also include taking these measures during normal ice skating, which is literally testing if ice skating can be a therapy for Parkinson’s disease.