The Movement Quality Research laboratory

Dr. Yogev Koren

Ph.D. PT, Ben Gurion University
M.Sc. in Physical Therapy at Ben-Gurion University
B.P.T at Tel Aviv University
B.Sc. at Hebrew University

Any pathology affecting a healthy motor behavior is bad. But, is the resultant motor behavior stemming from the pathology necessarily bad?
For example, a hemiparetic stroke patient will often walk with a limp for the rest of their life. Can we objectively deem this pathological gait bad, or is this new walking pattern perhaps the optimal solution under the constraints of the pathology? Should we try to change the patient’s new gait? If yes, can we? And what approach should be taken to force such change?
As a physical therapist, I constantly consider such questions, and as a researcher, I try to provide answers.
My main interest and the focus of my research over the past eight years has been human walking. My current research places great emphasis on sensory input—namely, how sensory input is translated into perception and situational awareness, and how these mental processes affect walking behavior and performance.
I am interested in topics that range from basic science to clinical application, with specific regard to sensorimotor control, learning, and adaptation, as well as the effect of aging and neurological damage. I am especially interested in the rehabilitation of walking and the use of assistive technology in rehabilitation.

My Vision

Projects

Current projects

Gaze Behavior of Stable and Unstable Walkers: In this project, we aim to study how humans use visual input to plane and guide walking. Specifically, we are interested in how stable and unstable walkers visually sample their environment as well as the detriments and benefits of different visual search patterns.

Measuring Proprioception: In this project, we aim to develop new approaches to measuring proprioceptive sense/s. Specifically, we aim to develop fast, simple and cost-efficient tests that are able to overcome problems of patient compliance/cooperation.

Using Our Abilities: In this project, we aim to investigate the relationship between physical ability and post-stroke daily life activity. Specifically, we aim to test if post-stroke patients restrict daily activity due to objective impairments or if other factors contribute to adopting a more sedentary lifestyle.

Students

Amnon Barkay- Ben Gurion University postgraduate (Masters) student

Publication

       Koren, Y., Handelzalts, S., Parmet, Y. & Bar-Haim, S. (2023). Older Adults and Stroke Survivors Are Steadier When Gazing DownPlosOne,xx,xx.

       Koren, Y., Rozenfeld, E., Sofer, I., Elefant, I., Khir, N. & Batcir, S. (2022). Does Cognitive Loading Interfere with Walking Control? Gait & posture, 96, pp. 185-189.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.05.032

       Koren, Y., Mairon, R., Sofer, I., Parmet, Y., Ben-Shahar, O. & Bar-Haim, S. (2022). Vision, Cognition, and Walking Stability in Young Adults. Sci Rep 12, 513.   
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-04540-w

       Handelzalts, S., Koren, Y., Goldhamer, N., Yeshurun-Tayer, A., Parmet, Y., Shmuelof, L., & Bar-Haim, S. (2021). Insights into Motor Performance Deficits After Stroke: An Automated and Refined Analysis of the Lower-Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT)Journal of Neuro-Engineering and Rehabilitation18(1), 1-10. 
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-021-00950-z

       Koren, Y., Mairon, R., Sofer, I., Parmet, Y., Ben-Shahar, O. & Bar-Haim, S. (2021) Gazing Down Increases Standing and Walking Postural Steadiness. Royal Society Open Science. 8: 201556. 
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.201556

       Koren, Y., Parmet, Y., & Bar-Haim, S. (2019). Treading On the Unknown Increases Prefrontal Activity: A Pilot Fnirs Study. Gait & posture69, 96-100.  
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.01.026

       Koren Y, Raanan Y, Parmet Y, Bar-Haim S. (2018). Treading on the Unknown – The Feasibility of a Novel Approach to Investigating the Motor Control of Walking. Physiol Meas 2018; 394:04NT01, 6579/aab659. 
https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6579/aab659

       Koren Y and Kalichman L. (2018). Deep Tissue Massage: What are We Talking About? Journal of Body Work and Movement Therapies; 22;2:247-251