Optimising movement throughout the lifespan: exploring the neuromuscular and biomechanical mechanisms of impaired and healthy locomotion

Principal Advisor: Dr Taylor Dick

Research group: Dick Group - Neuromuscular biomechanics

Organisational unit: School of Biomedical Sciences

Our research aims to unravel the fundamental neuromuscular and biomechanical mechanisms that underpin healthy and pathological locomotor function. We develop and use novel medical imaging technologies to assess muscle and tendon properties in vivo. We can then integrate these data into models and simulations in an effort to develop a theoretical framework for predicting motor function in healthy and diseased populations. We are seeking expressions of interest for two research opportunities:

Project 1 will investigate the interplay between age-related changes in muscle form and function, and use experimental data to inform predictive models of muscle force production.
Project 2 will assess the influence of passive ankle exoskeletons on standing balance and postural control during balance and perturbation tasks (with a particular focus on aging populations).

Successful applicants will work within the Motor Control and Biomechanics research group which combines Dr Taylor Dick’s Neuromuscular Biomechanics Research and Associate Professor Kylie Tucker’s Motor Control and Pain Research. Our research laboratories are filled with a suite of state-of-the-art technologies for comprehensive assessment of neuromuscular function and movement.