Movement Neurophysiology
Contact: Dr John Semmler
The research conducted in this laboratory examines the cortical, spinal and neuromuscular mechanisms responsible for changes in motor performance with alterations in physical activity. Current projects address three broad research areas.
- Neurophysiology of Exercise – to examine the changes in the central and peripheral nervous system following increases (eccentric exercise, fatigue, strength training) and decreases (immobilisation) in physical activity and its effect on movements performed by humans.
- The Ageing Nervous System – to examine the contribution of the motor cortex to the impaired fine control of hand movements in older adults, and to determine the extent of cortical plasticity using specific interventions with advancing age.
- Motor Cortex Plasticity and Motor Learning – to determine the factors that influence plasticity of the CNS and how this may improve motor learning in specific subject populations.
The laboratory uses sophisticated stimulation and electrophysiological recording and analysis techniques to address these issues, which include transcranial magnetic stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, surface electromyography and single motor unit recording. The overall goal is to understand how the healthy nervous system functions to control movements following a variety of interventions, and how it may be rehabilitated following neuromuscular injury or disease.
The Movement Neurophysiology Laboratory 2008
L-R: John Semmler, Nigel Rogasch, John Cirillo, Sonja Ebert, Andrew Lavender, Tamara Dartnall
Professional Research Staff: Dr John Semmler, Dr Andrew Lavender and Mr Nigel Rogasch
Research Students: Tamara Dartnall, John Cirillo and Sonja Ebert
Affiliate Laboratories
- Motor Control and Motor Learning: Dr Susan Hillier (University of South Australia)
- Human sensorimotor plasticity: Dr. Mike Ridding
