Researcher's Profile

My research explores how virtual reality (VR) and music can enable new possibilities in health interventions for older adults. Through this work, I focus on three key areas: identifying motor impairments related to cognitive decline, developing novel cognitive assessment methods, and creating engaging intervention programs that improve both cognitive and physical function.
By integrating VR technology and music into health assessments, we can identify subtle motor impairments associated with dementia and cognitive decline. Our research demonstrates that these technologies provide innovative approaches to cognitive function evaluation, capturing physiological responses and movement patterns that traditional methods may miss.
A critical challenge in health interventions for older adults is sustained engagement. Our studies, including drumming, VR FUKIYA (blowgun) and hip-hop dance interventions, show that VR and music create compelling experiences that help participants "gather together" and "keep going." The immersive technology and music address both the effectiveness and sustainability of health interventions. By making programs engaging and socially interactive, we overcome common barriers to long-term participation. Our interdisciplinary approach, spanning engineering, gerontology, and rehabilitation science, aims to develop scalable solutions that benefit aging communities while advancing our understanding of how technology-enhanced interventions can transform health promotion for older adults.