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The Sensorimotor and Rehabilitation Technology (SMaRT) Neuroscience Lab primarily studies the neuroscience of (how the brain, sensory and motor nerves, and muscles control) human movement. Our work uses virtual and augmented reality simulations to understand neural mechanisms underlying mobility (balance, walking and driving) dysfunctions in neurological conditions (Cerebrovascular Accidents/strokes, TBI & Concussions, aging with cognitive impairment, & movement disorders), and elite (athletes, race car drivers, and aircraft pilots) human performance.
The discoveries from the studies are used to inform development of mechanistic interventions in these population to enhance mobility and function. Current and future studies in the lab are specifically focused on addressing sex differences, advancing health equity and reducing health disparities.
Dr. Harsimran Baweja is the founding program Director for the Auburn University Physical Therapy Program. He started this role in January of 2023. He is an acute care and ICU physical therapy clinical specialist with a passion for reducing healthcare disparities and rural/community-based rehab. He is a motor neuroscientist and directs the SensoriMotor and Rehabilitation Technology (SMaRT) Lab in the School of Kinesiology. His research focuses on understanding neural mechanisms underlying human skill learning and performance particularly in neurodegenerative diseases (TBIs, Concussions, Stroke and Parkinson’s) and athletes (racecar drivers and military aviators) to enhance mobility (balance, walking & fall-risk, driver & road safety, and flight crew safety and preparedness). He pioneered the use of eXperiential Reality (XR: Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality) to test the human performance in his lab. Discoveries from the lab are then used to develop mechanistic interventions and novel rehabilitation technology with an acute lens on addressing and reducing healthcare disparities.
