Research
Brain research has a long history in the University of Jyväskylä. At the moment, brain research is conducted e.g. in the areas of psychology, music, health sciences and biology of physical activity. Common themes include depicting the change related to development, aging and learning, identification of abnormal brain activity and the effects of different kinds of interventions. These themes are included in the four, loose research branches of brain research which CIBR focuses on. The brain research in CIBR also heavily utilizes mathematical modelling and information technology.
Research Themes
Physical Activity and Motor Control/Sports
The brain cannot be seen as separate from the body and body functions. People typically understand that our brain controls body movements, and that all voluntary actions initiate in the brain, but it is equally important to remember that body states and body functions influence back to the brain. In our research centre we combine top-level expertise of the biology of physical activity with brain research to understand the way different parts of the brain and motor system enable the different aspects of movement. The specific focus of our centre is in exploring the possible influences physical activity has on brain, and consequently, cognition and brain health related wellbeing.
Learning and Cognition
One of the fundamental features of the brain is its ability to change itself as a response to life-events. In fact, almost everything in our personal life can be seen as a result of a learning process. In CIBR, we study learning and cognition in all levels of brain activity ranging from single neurons to whole head recordings. Learning is studied from the level of perception to formation on life-long memories.
Wellbeing and Health
Brain is an organ which has a significant role in our well-being. For long, it has been known that for instance, people diagnosed with depression make judgments about the surrounding world in a way that only deepens their negative view of themselves. We conduct research on the relationship between different interventions targeted at both prevention and treatment of psychiatric conditions or psychological distress and the brain.
Development Across Lifespan
It is natural that aging affects the brain. But how? This can be at least partly answered by studying participants of different age groups using the top-notch brain-research equipment in the disposal of CIBR in connection with, for example, cognitive and physical exercises.