Neural Aspects Of Human Movement

The Central Nervous System plays a crucial role in movement control. Although many gaps still remain in our knowledge of the mechanisms in action, a large body of research on this topic is available nowadays. This book aims at an interdisciplinary approach to movement control, by discussing and relating neural aspects of human movement. In the first chapters of this book a review will be given of the complex neuroanatomy and the functional organisation of movement on the level of motoneurons, whereas the second part of the book considers neural network modeling and new methods of research on the functioning of the brain. The contributions in this book reflect in an extended form the presentations given at the symposium Neural Aspects of Human Movement, at the Faculty of Human Movement Sciences of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, May 22, 1992.

Covering the basics of neuroscience, including a chapter on the vocabulary of the nervous system (a great brush-up even for those who have some prior knowledge of neuroscience), this excellent reference eases the student through more difficult topics such as reflexes, eye-hand coordination, and neural control of running and walking. Each chapter begins with an outline, and a comprehensive glossary rounds out the book. More than 50 original line drawings illustrate key concepts. * Presents difficult information on neuroscience in an easy-to-understand manner. * Explains the major organizational subdivisions of the central nervous system briefly, with an emphasis on structures and structural relationships that impact motor control. * Presents typical spinal cord and brainstem reflexes involved in motor control and discusses the methods for using these reflexes to influence strength gains and muscle flexibility. * Includes the most current research on the neural control of hand-eye coordination, discussed in relation to its importance to rehabilitation medicine and childrens' physical education. * Chapter on the neural control of human locomotion integrates concepts in previous chapters to show the harmony of neural interaction that is needed to complete any motor act. * Includes the latest research (by the author) showing that humans can consciously alter reflex activity and the impact of these findings on athletic performance, recovery from injury, and motor learning. * Concepts are illustrated with anecdotes and examples making difficult information less intimidating and easier to grasp. * Includes topics like hand-eye coordination and human locomotion, applying neuroscience to everyday activities and making highly theoretical information useful. * More than 50 original line drawings illustrate key concepts. * Chapter outlines give students an overview of the information to be presented. * Comprehensive glossary provides an easy review of difficult terminology.

Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement, Third Edition, introduces readers to key concepts concerning the anatomical, mechanical, physiological, neural, and psychological bases of human movement. The text provides undergraduate students with a broad foundation for more detailed study of the subdisciplines of human movement and for cross-disciplinary studies. Readers will learn the multi-dimensional changes in movement and movement potential that occur throughout the life span as well as those changes that occur as adaptations to training, practice, and other lifestyle factors. This third edition includes the latest research and improved presentation to address areas of growth and change in the fields of human movement. The following are important updates to this edition: • A new chapter on historical origins of human movement science provides students with an appreciation of the development of the field as well as its future directions. • Content regarding exercise physiology has been reorganized to provide more discrete coverage of key concepts in nutrition. • A new concluding section focuses on applications in the areas of prevention and management of chronic disease, prevention and management of injury, and performance enhancement in sport and the workplace, as well as the benefits of sport and exercise science to work, sport, and everyday living. • Ancillary materials support instructors in teaching across disciplines as they assist students in understanding the breadth of content in this comprehensive text. Using a modular approach to teaching sport and exercise science, Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement, Third Edition, offers students a structured understanding of how the subdisciplines work independently and in tandem. Following a general introduction to the field of human movement studies, readers are introduced to basic concepts, life-span changes, and adaptations arising in response to training in each of the five major biophysical subdisciplines of human movement. Each subdiscipline is given a brief introduction, including the definition and historical development of the subdiscipline, the typical issues and problems it addresses, the levels of analysis it uses, and relevant professional training and organizations. Multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches to human movement are also discussed along with contemporary applications. By studying the integration of knowledge from a number of the biophysical subdisciplines, students will be better prepared for advanced study and careers reliant on the integration of knowledge from various disciplines and perspectives. The third edition offers tools for retaining the material, including learning objectives and summaries in each chapter, a glossary, and lists of web-based resources. Throughout the text, special “In Focus” features highlight key organizations, individuals, and studies from around the world that have contributed to the current understanding of human movement. These features help readers appreciate the evolution of the field so that they may better understand its direction. Students interested in further study will find specialized texts for each of the subdisciplines listed in the Further Reading and References section of each chapter along with updated lists of websites. The third edition of Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement offers a comprehensive introduction for students, scientists, and practitioners involved in the many professions grounded in or related to human movement, kinesiology, and sport and exercise science. By considering the effect of adaptations in each of the biophysical subdisciplines of human movement, Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement also illustrates the important role physical activity plays in the maintenance of health throughout the life span.

With eight new chapters and 130 pages of fresh material, this second edition covers a wide range of topics, including movement disorders and current theories of motor control and co-ordination.

Biomechanics and Motor Control: Defining Central Concepts provides a thorough update to the rapidly evolving fields of biomechanics of human motion and motor control with research published in biology, psychology, physics, medicine, physical therapy, robotics, and engineering consistently breaking new ground. This book clarifies the meaning of the most frequently used terms, and consists of four parts, with part one covering biomechanical concepts, including joint torques, stiffness and stiffness-like measures, viscosity, damping and impedance, and mechanical work and energy. Other sections deal with neurophysiological concepts used in motor control, such as muscle tone, reflex, pre-programmed reactions, efferent copy, and central pattern generator, and central motor control concepts, including redundancy and abundance, synergy, equilibrium-point hypothesis, and motor program, and posture and prehension from the field of motor behavior. The book is organized to cover smaller concepts within the context of larger concepts. For example, internal models are covered in the chapter on motor programs. Major concepts are not only defined, but given context as to how research came to use the term in this manner. Presents a unified approach to an interdisciplinary, fragmented area Defines key terms for understanding Identifies key theories, concepts, and applications across theoretical perspectives Provides historical context for definitions and theory evolution

This text focuses on skilled movements in humans, while drawing upon evidence obtained in other species. Attention is directed at movements of the hand and arm, with the production of speech sounds also being seen as an important example of skilled movement. Concise up-dates of current understanding of the roles of the main motor centres - cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum and spinal cord - in skilled movement and its clinical impairments, are provided by neuroscientists.

"This book provides information regarding state-of-the-art research outcomes and cutting-edge technology on various aspects of the human movement"--Provided by publisher.

From speech to breathing to overt movement contractions of muscles are the only way other than sweating whereby we literally make a mark on the world. Locomotion is an essential part of this equation and exciting new developments are shedding light on the mechanisms underlying how this important behavior occurs. The Neural Control of Movement discusses these developments across a variety of species including man. The editors focus on highlighting the utility of different models from invertebrates to vertebrates. Each chapter discusses how new approaches in neuroscience are being used to dissect and control neural networks. An area of emphasis is on vertebrate motor networks and particularly the spinal cord. The spinal cord is unique because it has seen the use of genetic tools allowing the dissection of networks for over ten years. This book provides practical details on model systems, approaches, and analysis approaches related to movement control. This book is written for neuroscientists interested in movement control. Provides practice details on model systems, approaches, and analysis approaches related to movement control Discusses how recent advances like optogenetics and chemogenetics affect the need for model systems to be modified (or not) to work for studies of movement and motor control Written for neuroscientists interested in movement control, especially movement disorders like Parkinson's, MS, spinal cord injury, and stroke