Biomechanics - Musculoskeletal system

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.

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.

Intersectional research projects

Force transmission within the Achilles tendon
The aim of this project is to investigate the distribution of deformation within the Achilles tendon and its mechanical consequences.
Neuromechanical responses to stroke in the rat
The aim of this project is to improve our understanding of the changes in neural control of movement and secondary changes in skeletal muscle properties in response to a stroke.
Interactions between disc degeneration and multifidus atrophy
The aim of this project is to understand how the mechanical effects of atrophy of the multifidus muscles, as observed in patients with low-back pain, interact with those of intervertebral disc degeneration. Disc degeneration reduces spine stiffness and may impair control over spine movement. Multifidus atrophy is assumed to result from nociceptive afference from spinal structures and may all negatively affect control over the spine. In turn, reduced control over spine movement may enhance disc degeneration.
Functional implication of myofascial force transmission in hemophilia patients with severe joint damage
The aims of this project are: (i) to assess force transmission between muscles and with non-muscular structures within the leg, (ii) to assess adaptations in neuromuscular control of hemophilia patients with severe ankle joint damage.
Unravelling the etiology of muscle injuries
The first aim of the research project is to characterize the activity of the hamstring muscles biomechanically and neurophsyiologically, during high speed running activities and injury prevention exercises. The second aim is to study muscle characteristics in athletes before and after a prevention program.
Spine Biomechanics
Understanding biomechanical behavior of the spine under short term and long term loading is vital to comprehend the control over spine movement, unravel injury mechanisms and to understand intervertebral disc degeneration. In addition, this work is needed to improve surgical interventions related to, e.g., treatment of scoliosis, and for effective design of new therapeutic interventions, such as tissue engineering methods to restore spine function. Therefore, we use mechanically test of human and animal spines and motion segments to assess stiffness, range of motion, failure loads, and fluid flow mechanisms.