Research section Biomechanics

Leading research themes of Biomechanics

• Muscle-Tendon Unit Mechanisms

  We study the function of muscles as mechanical and sensory organs, with a specific focus on the effects of tendinous and myofascial connections on mechanical output and sensory afference. In addition, we study the mechanical function and the tolerance to mechanical loading of joints with a specific focus on the intervertebral joints.

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• Control of Posture and Gait

  We study how stability of the whole body and of the trunk is maintained against gravity, what sensory information and motor strategies are used to this end and how this is affected by injury, ageing and disease, but also by training.

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• Mechanics & Energetics of Locomotion

  We study the mechanics and energetics of walking and running, with a focus on stability, i.e., our ability not to fall during these tasks. We study what sensory information and motor strategies are used and how these are affected by injury, ageing and disease, but also by training.

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• Upper extremity function

  We study the relation between structure, function and control in the performance of upper extremity tasks, covering the range from ballistic movements, such as throwing a ball, to precision tasks, such as threading a needle.

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• Neural underpinnings

  Studying motor-related changes of synchronized neural activity and its network-like distribution elucidates how the brain can operate as functional unit despite numerous anatomical connections between simultaneously active neurons.

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