Grant: Operating Grant

The mechanical behavior of a joint is important to the control of posture where it determines the automatic resistance to disturbances before voluntary intervention. It it is also important during movement since it defines the properties of the actuator that the nervous system uses to control movement as well as determining how disturbances will alter movements. This research will use novel quantitative methods to measure overall mechanical behavior and the relative contributions of intrinsic and reflex mechanisms. It will also determine how the central nervous system changes these to meet different functional requirements. The results of this research will provide a better understanding of how the nervous system controls posture and movement. This will have applications to the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals suffering from neuromuscular disease. Important application areas include the objective measurement of motor function, the design of devices to restore function to paralyzed muscles, robotic aids for the disabled, and the prediction and prevention of falls in the elderly.