Michelle is a PhD candidate with a background in movement science and sports. After looking at biomechanical movement patterns during exergaming, both in her master’s thesis as well as in follow-up projects, she wanted to incorporate the cognitive component into her research. Exergaming means physically active gaming that requires movement to play. Many injuries in sports happen in situations where athletes are performing a simultaneous motor and cognitive task. That is why her PhD project focuses on how dual-task performance in exergaming relates to more standardized motor-cognitive dual-tasks. Furthermore, the project examines how performance changes when athletes respond to auditory versus visual information. This project is carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Physiotherapy at ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Bewegungsanalyse | ZHAW Gesundheit).

In general, Michelle is interested in how people move and what aspects, both motor and cognitive, can be improved to help prevent injuries and support rehabilitation. She is also interested in how new technologies such as exergaming can be used to make rehabilitation after injury more effective and engaging.

Outside of her research, Michelle fulfils her enthusiasm for observing complex movement patterns in her function as an artistic cycling coach. She also enjoys spending time in her garden, jogging, or cycling to clear her mind.