Locomotion Neuromechanics
We study human electrical brain and muscle activation dynamics together with observable movement patterns (kinematics) and forces (kinetics) acting on the body during walking and running. Our aim is to better understand how the nervous system controls human movement.
Visually guided walking
Walking in three different virtual environments showed differences in electrical brain activity based on sensory feedback. Walking in increasingly complex virtual scenes increased visuospatial cortical processing, but decreased brain processes related to limb motions. Processing limb motions increased at faster gait speeds.
Observing faster visual flow speeds and walking at faster speeds increased cortical processing. Walking with mismatched visual flow and gait speed distinctly altered visuomotor cortical processing.