DEP. OF EXERCISE > Research > Ongoing research > Motor Control Biomec. > PHD PROJECTS > SSG Investigation

Investigation of reciprocal inhibition in relation to agonist-antagonist coordination with specific focus on supraspinal mechanisms

PhD project
In all voluntary movements the central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for the precise coordination of antagonist muscles, thereby ensuring that the planned movement is correctly performed. Reciprocal inhibition of antagonist muscle is one of the mechanisms used by CNS to coordinate activity and this mechanism can take place both at a spinal and supraspinal level.
 
Recent research indicate that supraspinal mechanisms are important for the improved agonist-antagonist coordination observed with training.
 
Human experiments on supraspinal reciprocal inhibition has so far been limited by methodological difficulties, but a development of the TMS technique makes it possible to conduct such experiments non-invasively. This will give new knowledge about where it is possible to intervene with specific training- and rehabilitation programs.
 
The purpose of this Ph.d. is thus to investigate reciprocal inihibition in relation to agonist-antagonist coordination with specific focus on supraspinal mechanisms.

Head of project: Svend Sparre Geertsen

Supervisor: Jens Bo Nielsen