Biography

My research program is dedicated to understanding the determinants of successful mobility in naturally challenging conditions with a focus on the visual perception and executive mechanisms underlying the control of posture and locomotion. This research is valuable as it reveals factors linked to safe and independent mobility, and it relates to the problem of falls that is a leading cause of injuries, disability and economic burden.

Research areas

  • Gait and Posture
  • Mobility
  • Visual attention
  • Aging
  • Falls

Education

  • PhD Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
  • M.Sc. Human Movement Sciences, University of São Paulo State, Rio Claro, Brazil
  • B.Ph.Ed., University of São Paulo State, Rio Claro, Brazil

Courses

  • KPER 7200: Sensorimotor Integration: Fundamental Theories in Motor Control & Learning
  • KPER 2350: Research Methods
  • KIN 4260: Human Factors and Ergonomics 
  • KPER 2350: Introduction to Research  
  • KPER 1500: Foundations of Physical Education and Kinesiology 
  • KPER 1200: Physical Activity, Health, and Wellness 

Vision & Mobility Lab

The Vision & Mobility Lab aims to advance the understanding of the fundamental visuomotor processes involved in the control of human locomotion and mobility.We use biomechanical, perceptual, and neurophysiological methodologies to determine how visual information is acquired, processed, and integrated while walking in naturally challenging contexts (e.g., stairs, obstacle avoidance, distracted walking).

Our integrated approach allows the study of perceptual, cognitive and motor processes involved in mobility, with the potential to inform the diagnosis of individuals at risk for falls, and the design and test of interventions aimed to promote safe mobility in clinical and nonclinical population.

Veronica is currently accepting undergraduate students, master's and PhD students. Connect with her here for more information. 

Publications

Visit Veronica Silva's PubMed profile for a complete listing.

Veronica Silva's profile