BMM451

School of Engineering \ Biomedical Engineering

3

6

Elective

English

-

Department of Biomedical Engineering Department

This course addresses muscle mechanisms and their control, examines human movement control from various perspectives, and explores human neuro-control systems. It integrates physiology, engineering, and neuroscience approaches. From the viewpoint of both adaptation of the neural control system and adaptation of mechanical properties, the course offers a comprehensive examination of human movement control.

Neurophysiological basis of movement (2 ed), Mark Latash, Human Kinetics, 2008

Fundamentals of Motor control Mark Latash, Academic Press (Elsevier) (2012)

This course aims to provide an understanding of the neurological and mechanical control of the human movement system. It focuses on teaching the fundamental functions of key components involved in movement generation, such as muscles, neurons, brain structures, and spinal control mechanisms. Through motor control theories and physical models, students will be expected to analyze the coordination of human movement and the biomechanical effects of motor disorders. Problem-solving related to movement mechanics will be conducted using dynamic system analyses. Additionally, the course aims to develop students' skills in scientific research, literature review, and presentation.

1. Learning the effects of neuromechanics on human motor control and learning.
2. Learning theoretical approaches and modeling in motor control.
3. Understanding techniques used in motor control disorders and rehabilitation.
4. Learning the mechanics of movement in dynamic systems and applying it to problem-solving.
5. Gaining experience in accessing information, conducting literature reviews, referencing, and presenting on the subject.

Week 1: Introduction to the basics of neuro-control and movement mechanics, course content overview, and general information.
Week 2: Characteristics of the movement production system: Muscles, neurons, neuronal pathways, sensory receptors, reflexes and their types, spinal control mechanisms.
Week 3: Major brain structures responsible for movement generation: Motor cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum.
Week 4: Control theory approaches to motor control: Force control, motor programs, muscle control, Merton hypothesis, optimal control.
Week 5: Physical approaches to motor control: Mass-spring models, threshold control, equilibrium point hypothesis.
Week 6: Coordination of human movement: Dynamic systems and linear kinematics.
Week 7: Dynamic systems and linear kinetics.
Week 8: Dynamic systems and angular kinematics.
Week 9: Dynamic systems and angular kinetics.
Week 10: Changing and developing behaviors: Changes in movement control due to fatigue and aging.
Week 11: Motor disorders and rehabilitation approaches: Spinal cord disorders, spasticity, cortical disorders (Cerebral Palsy), basal ganglia disorders (Parkinson's), cerebellar disorders (ataxia, tremor).
Week 12: Student presentations: Students will conduct research on a given topic using articles or sources, prepare a presentation and a written report, and present their findings.