Course overview
Neuromotor Control of Human Movement is a third year course that consists of lectures, workshops, and practical experiences. In this course, students will develop an advanced knowledge of human motor control, with particular emphasis on the control of movement by the nervous system. Topics covered in the lecture and workshop stream involve a neurophysiological approach to the understanding of neural connections and structures, motor behaviour and adaptation, how neuromotor function is influenced by specific movement disorders, and strategies for neurorehabilitation. The practical component involves hands-on experience with advanced skills in neurophysiological techniques commonly used in research and clinical settings to assess and quantify the control of human movement. The workshops will provide a unique opportunity for students to undertake small group discussion and critical review of the neural control of human movement and its disorders.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the structure and function of the sensory and motor systems, and to understand the generation and control of human movement.
- Understand the major somatosensory receptors for position and movement, the information they convey, and the major pathways that convey this information to the central nervous system.
- Describe the major structural characteristics and functional roles of the motor cortex, cerebellum, basal ganglia and the brain stem in movement control.
- Describe the neural organisation of locomotion, including central pattern generators, brainstem areas and spinal cord organisation.
- Describe the major changes in the neural control of movement that occur throughout the lifespan, and how these change with training and fatigue.
- Understand the neural factors that contribute to neuromotor adaptation with increase and decreased muscle use.
- Understand the role of neuroplasticity in improvements in motor function and how it may be used in the rehabilitation of motor function after injury.
- Describe the motor deficits that accompany common disorders of the somatosensory system, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and motor cortex.
- Demonstrate an ability to use neurophysiological procedures for assessing and quantifying human movement.
- Understand the scientific method and the critical review of the research process as it applies to the neural control of human movement.