Universitat Oberta de Catalunya

Research groups and topic areas / Thesis proposal

Researchers

Research group websites

Cognitive Neurolab 

The research group confines its focus of interest to the study the neural substrates underlying cognition in humans, through the use of two non-invasive brain stimulation techniques: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

Research Topics:

1. Dissociation of the role of neuronal systems in charge of cognitive control (a dorsal system, which includes the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and a ventral system, including the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex) through their implication in the emotional interference on working memory, risky decision-making and the theory of mind.
2. Improvement, stimulation and rehabilitation of cognitive control (mainly working memory and executive functions) in acquired and neurodegenerative disorders, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.
3. Use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques in the study of the neural basis of different aspects of eating behavior and in the treatment of related conditions and pathologies, such as obesity, bulimia and anorexia.

eHealth Lab

eHealth Lab is an interdisciplinary group that focuses its activity on the design, implementation and evaluation of digital solutions whose main aim is to improve efficacy, efficiency and safety of health interventions targeted to healthcare professionals, patients and public. Also we aim to promote health and prevent diseases through digital solutions

Research Topics:

1. To develop, promote and assess the use of technology in the promotion, prevention and comprehensive approach of chronic diseases.
2. To develop and evaluate ICT based strategies and interventions that aim to improve the quality of life and wellbeing in the community and working environment.
3. To design theoretical models and evaluation tools for health interventions.
4. To develop new methodologies to design interventions to manage high prevalent health problems.

Dr Carme Carrion

Food Lab 

This area of research is focused on the study of the dynamism of our food patterns, and the food, nutrition and health relationship. The way we eat is an expression of our culture and society, which has an impact on our health, and it is in a continuous reformulation or evolution. It is a fact that today we do not eat like fifty years ago, nor in fifty years we will eat like today.  Thus, changes in food habits and food structures affect all, regardless of gender, social classes, age and have a direct impact on health and quality of life.

Therefore, the line of research specifically tries to reflect on these aspects:

• Analysis of the evolution of food patterns
• Study of food biodiversity in food production and consumption
• Mediterranean Diet
• Uses of technology to promote healthy living patterns
• Food, culture and social transformations
• Explore heathy food offer. Grastonomy, health and society
• Promotion of physical activity and healthy eating
• Nutrition, sport performance and Health

Dr F. Xavier Medina

Behavioral change in Internate based interventions 

Behavior change techniques refers to the specific strategies used in the intervention to promote behavior change. In eHealth the behavioral change techniques are one of the most important factors that explain the successful or failures of  interventions thorough internet.

Research topics:

• To describe, promote and asses the use of behavioral change techniques in health promotion intervention thorought ICT
• To identifiy and analize theoretical models underlaying the use of behavioral change techniques in the field of eHealth including gamification, social maketing techniques and nudging.
• To develop new strategies to improve the positive effect of behavioral change techniques in the eHealth field.

Research on issues of health and society are also addressed by the PSINET Research Group in the research line Psychology, technology and society 

Dr. Manuel Armayones