Rijks University Groningen
ResearchResearch
Human movement is not seen as the result of a motor process sensu stricto but as the end result of a continuous interaction between perceptual, motor and cognitive processes.
Furthermore, human motor behavior is influenced by environmental and social factors.
Indeed, motor actions are almost always performed in a social context, in interaction with other persons. Hence, at the one side the physiological, bio-mechanical and neural basis of human movements is studied, whereas at the other side the social basis of human movement is studied. It is this mixture of neuroscience, physiology, bio-mechanics and behavioral sciences that characterizes Human Movement Sciences in Groningen.
The overall research program is entitled
HUMAN MOTOR BEHAVIOR AND COMPLEX SKILLS. The program attempts to combine insights from the behavioral sciences, the medical sciences and the neurosciences in order to develop an integrated movement scientific approach that delivers at the one side fundamental knowledge about human motor behavior, while at the other side the research program has to deliver applied answers to important problems concerning health, rehabilitation, aging and sports. The attempt to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the "field" forms an important mission for the Center. Indeed, movement sciences has much to offer to health care institutions and government departments struggling with movement and health-related problems in a society that is characterized by fast demographic and cultural changes.
Under the umbrella of the general program title 4 research clusters exist.
- Motor Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Sports, Learning and Performance
- Movement, Aging and Health
- Movement Control and Coordination
Layout of the Groningen laboratory , The moption platform is embedded in the floor on the left. On the right, the operators control desks.
The people behind the RUG lab.
