Michel Audiffren

Michel Audiffren is a Lecturer at the University of Poitiers, affiliated with the Cognition and Learning Research Center (CeRCA) and Maison des Sciences de l’Homme et de la Société (MSHS). His research focuses on the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and cognitive processes, spanning cognitive neuroscience, executive functions, mental fatigue, and self-control. He employs neuroimaging (NIRS) and psychophysiological methods to study aging, cognitive performance, and exercise-induced adaptations.

• Role: Lecturer, University of Poitiers
• Research Affiliation: CeRCA/MSHS
• Key Collaborations: University of Geneva, University of Queensland, University of Bordeaux

Michel Audiffren’s research demonstrates how chronic exercise modulates cognitive aging via neuroplasticity, while acute exercise enhances executive functions. His recent work explores mental fatigue’s impact on athletic performance, brain endurance training, and psychophysiological markers of effort engagement. Collaborative studies address genetic polymorphisms (BDNF, COMT) and physical activity’s role in depression and inhibitory control among older adults.

His publications from 2022-2025 emphasize mental fatigue dynamics, cognitive load assessment, and neuroergonomics. Collaborators include Nathalie André, Cédric Albinet, and international institutions. Audiffren investigates the interplay of motor processes, decision-making, and cognitive resource allocation using behavioral and neuroimaging approaches.

• PhD Supervision: Anne Canivet (2012-2016), Nounagnon Frutueux Agbangla (2013-2016), Thomas Mangin (2017-2020), Marine Grousset (2019-2023)
• Research Tools: Near-infrared spectroscopy, dual-task paradigms, CRUNCH model