Participate in Research
Laboratory for the Scientific Study of Dance (LAB:SYNC)
Center for Cognitive & Brain Health, Northeastern University
LAB:SYNC focuses on the analysis of simple and complex models of dance behavior in relation to health outcomes across the lifespan.
Directed by Dr. Aston K. McCullough, the lab analyzes dance behavior and related physiological signals within single- and multi-person movement paradigms through the synchronized use of sensors—cameras, wearable sensors, indirect calorimeters, EKG monitors, and others. Dually, the lab implements rigorous qualitative frameworks to better understand the experiences of those who participate in dance and their perceived benefits of dance on wellness. The lab aims to uncover personal meaning and quantifiable relationships in the study of dance behavior and wellness. Furthermore, the lab models dance at-scale, ranging from quotidian actions performed in free-living environments to virtuosic dance actions performed by athletes. LAB:SYNC studies dance behaviors in relation to health across the lifespan through the integrated use of quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
Motion Analysis
Advancing quantitative and qualitative methods for analyzing movement, especially dance, using sensors and robust direct observation methods
Algorithms & Software
for Quantifying movement
Developing new, and evaluate existing, algorithms and software for quantifying movement using data from cameras and wearables
Dance for Physiological
& Psychological Health
Translating insights from the lab about the impact of dance on physiological and psychological health outcomes to community contexts.
Center for Cognitive & Brain Health (CBH)
LAB:SYNC is one of fourteen (14) CBH laboratories that are collectively dedicated to harnessing neuroimaging, behavioral, and computational research studies to investigate and optimize health outcomes across the lifespan.
gravity
“heeding the pull toward dance science”
gravity is a quarterly newsletter published by LAB:SYNC.
gravity is for practitioners, advocates, and researchers contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of dance science.
Review your choice of gravity (click here) posts on:
- news (quarterly issues of gravity, featuring season highlights)
- events (periodic announcements about LAB:SYNC events)
- research (updates on LAB:SYNC research studies and products)