My research focuses on cognitive and attentional processes involved in multiple-task performance in adulthood and healthy aging. I am interested in studying situations in which multiple tasks are either carried out in sequential order, or are performed concurrently. A portion of my current work investigates the coordination of cognitive and motor tasks in old age (e.g., walking, balance, finger sequencing, with a concurrent cognitive load). An important theme in my research is to understand the adaptive strategies that older adults develop in response to declines in cognitive and sensorimotor abilities. I am a member and Associate Director of the Centre for Research in Human Development (CRDH), which is devoted to multidisciplinary approaches to the study of development across all life periods. Graduate students working with me are eligible for financial support from CRDH and participate in regular workshops and seminars offered by the Centre.
Selected Publications
- Li, K. Z. H., Roudaia, E.*, Lussier, M.*, Bherer, L., Leroux, A., & McKinley, P. A. (2010). Benefits of cognitive dual-task training on balance performance in healthy older adults. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences. Available online. [pdf]
- Fraser, S. A.*, Li, K. Z. H., & Penhune, V. B. (2010). Dual-task performance reveals increased involvement of executive control in fine motor sequencing in healthy aging. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences. Available online. [pdf]
- Li, K. Z. H., Blair, M. A.*, & Chow, V. S. M.* (2010). Sequential performance in young and older adults: Evidence of chunking and inhibition. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition, 17, 270-295. [pdf]
- Abbud, G.*, Li, K. Z. H., & DeMont, R. G. (2009). Attentional requirements of walking according to the gait phase and onset of auditory stimuli. Gait and Posture, 30, 227-232. [pdf]
- Trewartha, K. M.*, Endo, A.*, Li, K. Z. H., & Penhune, V. B. (2009). Effect of decreased conflict monitoring ability with age on movement reprogramming and execution. Psychology and Aging, 24, 450-461. [pdf]
- Li, K. Z. H., & Dupuis, K.* (2008). Attentional switching in the Sequential Flanker Task: Age, location and time course effects. Acta Psychologica, 127, 416-427.[pdf]
- Fraser, S. A.*, Li, K. Z. H., DeMont, R. G., Penhune, V. B. (2007). The effects of balance status and age on muscle activation during walking under divided attention. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 62B, P171-P178.[pdf]
