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.
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.
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.
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.
Impaired neuromechanical function with ageing limits performance of daily-life activities, such as getting up from a chair and walking to the kitchen, but also of precision tasks, such as typing a text on a mobile phone. We develop and test methods to identify individual at risk for mobility decline and methods to prevent this.
Neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders negatively impact on neuromechanical function and performance of daily activities. In addition, impaired neuromechanical function may aggravate disorders and symptoms. We develop methods for diagnostics and treatment in relation to impairments of postural control, gait, and upper extremity function. In addition, we study mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal pain and its treatment.
We contribute to optimization of motor performance in sports in relation to performance and prevention of injury. We specifically focus on running and sprinting, on ballistic movement, such as baseball pitching, and diving by goal keepers and on the role of balance control in causation and prevention of lower-extremity injuries.
We develop and evaluate methods to assess and reduce spine and upper extremity loading in demanding tasks such as lifting, pushing and pulling and to assess and reduce muscular loading in repetitive and high-precision manual tasks. A current focus is the use of exoskeletons to decrease loading in demanding occupations or in patients with reduced musculoskeletal capacity.
