THE EMBODIED BRAIN LABORATORY
Cognitive Tasks
Multidimensional Impacts of Movement Scale (MIMS)
The Multidimensional Impacts of Movement Scale (MIMS) is a brief self report questionnaire designed to measure how physical activity affects the whole person, not just fitness. Rooted in both neuroscience and traditional yogic theory, the scale measures five areas: body, energy, mind, intuition, and contentment. The survey is to be completed shortly after engaging in your usual form of movement.
Scoring and Interpretation
To score MIMS, responses are summed within each areas to give five subscale scores, and all 45 questions are summed to calculate a total MIMS score. Higher scores indicate a greater influence of movement.
Body: greater physical awareness and control
Energy: increased vitality and ability to turn energy into action
Mind: improved mood and emotional regulation
Intuition: greater self trust and interoceptive awareness
Contentment: greater life satisfaction and gratitude
Spatial Navigation
Spatial navigation refers to the ability to move through an environment from one location to another, a skill that often declines with age, particularly in individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. This task evaluates real-world spatial navigation in humans using two phases: an encoding phase, where participants navigate a virtual city to identify landmarks, and a remembering phase, where they recall the locations of rewards. Episodic memory is further assessed through a free recall component. The task is also sensitive to physical activity, as exercise has been shown to enhance hippocampal function.
Set up
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Download the task files from the GitHub link.
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Install Unity Hub and download Unity version 5.3.1f1.
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Open Unity Hub → open the downloaded folder as a project.
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Click File → Build and Run.
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In Build Settings, select the listed scenes and choose PC/Mac/Linux Standalone, then click Build and Run.
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Adjust settings (resolution, graphics, controls) if needed, then click Play.
Before Starting
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Sit comfortably at a computer.
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Make sure you know the controls:
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W/S = forward/backward
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A/D = left/right
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Mouse = look around
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Task Overview
1. Learning Phase (Encoding)
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Follow a green path with arrows through a virtual city.
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Visit 5 landmarks in order.
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At each one, walk through the green diamond.
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Try to remember the locations and paths.
2. Memory Phase (Remembering)
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Start from where you left off.
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No arrows this time.
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Go back to the same 5 landmarks in the same order.
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At each location, deliver an item.
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The program tracks how quickly and accurately you find each place.
3. Recall Phase (Episodic Memory)
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Type the landmarks and items in the correct order from memory.
Finish
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Follow the final on-screen prompt to submit and complete the task.