SplitBody -- Freeing-up the Mind while Multitasking via Muscle Stimulation
PI -- Prof. Pedro Lopes (Human Computer Integration Lab, Computer Science, University of Chicago), Collaborator -- Romain Nith
About this Project:
We explored the potential of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to enhance performance in multitasking settings. Specifically, we introduced a movement task alongside a cognitive task, requiring participants to execute both simultaneously. Results indicated that using EMS to automate the movement task improved performance, reduced physical demand, and decreased cognitive load compared to the baseline, where participants managed both tasks unaided.
My main contributions:
• Resolved time-alignment challenges of the hand movement data in electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) condition
• Developed the Python-based experiment with a smoother data analysis pipeline
• Interpreted study results grounded in psychology literature