Douglas Martini

Douglas Martini

DUG-less MAR-tee-nee
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology

Balance disorders, concussion, gait, motor control, cognition, inertial measurement units, functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

Location

Totman Building

30 Eastman Lane
Amherst, MA 01003
United States

159D Totman

Links

Douglas Martini’s research focuses on understanding the effects of central neural dysfunction on motor and cognitive performance due to neurotrauma (concussion) and neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson’s disease). Key aspects involve identifying the underlying neural mechanisms that determine the speed and magnitude at which performance declines. Our approach integrates neural activity, biomechanical, and cognitive assessments to determine which neural mechanisms contribute to performance decline. Neural activity is characterized using neuroimaging techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation and functional near-infrared spectroscopy. With a better understanding of these neural mechanisms, better therapeutic approaches to manage dysfunction can be developed. The goal of this research is to improve quality of life for people in the neurotrauma and neurodegenerative disease populations.

Research Lab Website: 

Movement Neuroscience Laboratory

Education

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Oregon Health and Science University
  • PhD, University of Michigan
  • MS, University of Illinois
  • BA, Augustana College

Key Publications

Martini, D.N., Parrington, L., Stuart, S., Fino, P.C., King, L.A. (2020). Gait Performance in People with Symptomatic, Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Journal of Neurotrauma.

Martini D.N., Morris, R., Kelly, V.E., Oakley, J., Grabowski, T.J., Hiller, A., Chung, K., Hu, S-C., Zabetian, C.P., Poston, K., Mata, I.F., Edwards, K.L., Lapidus, J.A., Montine, T.J., Quinn, J.F., Horak, F. (2020). Sensorimotor inhibition and Mobility in Genetic Subgroups of Parkinson’s Disease. Frontiers in Neurology.

Morris, R., Martini D.N., Smulders, K., Kelly, V.E., Zabetian, C.P., Poston, K., Edwards, K., Cholerton, B., Grabowski, T., Montine, Quinn, J.F., Horak, F. (2019). Cognitive associations with comprehensive gait and balance measures in Parkinson’s disease. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 69 104-10.

Martini, D.N., Zeeboer, E, Hildebrand, A, Fling, B.W., Cameron, M. (2018). Ambulatory assistive device training prevents falls and may increase physical activity and reduce sitting in multiple sclerosis. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 99(10), 2050-58.

Martini, D.N., Eckner, J.T., Meehan, S.K., Broglio, S.P. (2017). Long-term effects of adolescent, sport concussion across the age spectrum. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(6), 1420-28.