Neuronal Control and Plasticity
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
Scientific Cooperations
Prof. Wolfgang Taube (Universität Fribourg)
Dr. Simran Sidu (University of Adelaide)
Prof. Dr. Andrew Cresswell (University of Queensland)
Prof. Dr. Glen Lichtwark (University of Queensland)
Jun.-Prof Kirsten Albracht, DSHS Köln
Prof. Marco Narici, University of Nottingham, UK
Prof. Markus Gruber, Dr. Andreas Kramer (Universität Konstanz)
Prof. Daniel König, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg
Assoc. Prof. Daniel Belavy, Deakin University Australia
Prof. Kai Röcker (HFU Furtwangen)
Industry
Funding Partners
Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt (DLR)
Bundesinstitut für Sportwissenschaft (BiSP)