A first area concerns the identification of individual and contextual determinants of health behaviors such as physical activity and eating behaviors, and the design of interventions for health behavior change in these areas.
A second area involves the process of digital phenotyping in behavioral modelling, consisting of using digital technologies to capture and analyze behavioral data for a deeper understanding of human behavior.
Thirdly, the group studies associations, in the population, between exercise or physical activity and markers of mental health, exploring putative mechanisms for those associations.
Finally, the group is now leading research involving expanded states of awareness and its potential for fast and lasting health behavior change.
Specific research questions include the identification of motivational and self-regulatory mechanisms of psychological and behavioral change; the study of activity and fitness epidemiology in young people and older adults, and the use of fitness as a health indicator for chronic conditions; exploring innovative digital solutions such as Serious Games, from physical rehabilitation to mental health interventions, to promote healthy behaviors, enhance patient engagement, and improve health outcomes; using digital biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring disease progression and treatment response; and using digital technologies to develop AI tools capable of precisely measuring fundamental aspects of human function, including digital phenotyping.
Keywords: Behaviour change; Digital phenotyping; Behavioural modelling; Behavioural interventions
