Neuronal Control and Plasticity

Neurophysiological Methods and Systemic Identification of Human Balance

In this research area, we are interested how the neuromuscular system is involved in the control of human movements and how it shapes with motor learning. Special focus lies on the interplay between peripheral (muscle & spinal cord) and central (brain) signals and how this interplay changes as a result of motor learning. We use a number of methods allowing us to identify different neuro- as well as physiological processes under various conditions such as weightlessness, fatigue and also with different age populations and patients. In particular, we are looking at the control and learning strategies of postural tasks, jumps, locomotion and whole body vibration. Our research has a high practical relevance like for the design of training and rehabilitation programs.

Methods

Elektromyography
Peripheral nerve stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
2D & 3D movement analysis
Kinetics
Ultra sound

Projects

Neuromuscular control at exhaustion
Neuromuscular control of rhythmic movement (cycling)
Neuromechanical characteristics at jumps under various physical and mechanical conditions
Neuromuscular mechanisms in balance control under various exertion conditions
Spinal and cortical excitability in vibration
Biomechanics of vibration training
Parabolic flights: neuromuscular activation under altered gravity conditions