Movement Capabilities Depend on Neuromuscular Properties (Coursera)

Due to the critical role of the nervous system in human movement, the third course will examine how changes that occur with exercise training, healthy aging, and rehabilitation interventions can often be explained in terms of the adaptive capabilities of the nervous system. The first part of the third course describes the changes that take place in the neuromuscular system during fatiguing contractions, a type of strength training known as speed training, and during healthy aging. The second part of the course examines the role of the central nervous system in producing voluntary actions and the neurorehabilitation strategies that are used to recover from damage it experiences.

By the end of this course, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of how neuromuscular properties influence our movement capabilities. You will appreciate the complex interplay between our nervous system and muscles, and how they adapt and respond to different stimuli and challenges.

Whether you are interested in sports science, physical therapy, or simply curious about the factors that influence our movement abilities, this course will provide you with valuable insights and knowledge.

This course is part of the The Science of Movement Specialization.

What you'll learn

- Distinguish between the adjustments and adaptations that are responsible for changes in neuromuscular function.

- Evaluate the strategies used in rehabilitation to recover from damage to the neuromuscular system.

Syllabus

Fatigue

The first module in this course examines fatigue as an example of the types of adjustments in neuromuscular activity that can be observed during physical activity. The module emphasizes the distinction between fatigue and fatiguability, distinguishes two domains of fatiguability, and provides examples of performance characteristics that influence both fatigue and fatiguability.

Strength Training

The second module in this course focuses on strength training as an example of the adaptations in neuromuscular function that can be elicited with training interventions. The module describes a range of training protocols and loading techniques that can be used to increase muscle strength and the types of adaptations in neuromuscular function that are responsible for the strength gains.

Aging

The third module in this course discusses the adaptations in neuromuscular function that occur during healthy aging. Although many attributes of physical function decline with advancing age, there is huge variability in these changes among older adults. The module examines the types and functional consequences of the adaptations exhibited by older adults.

Recovery After Nervous System Injury

The final module in this course evaluates the recovery capacity of the central nervous system after it has been damaged. We distinguish between the changes that occur in the peripheral and central nervous systems and discuss the rehabilitation strategies used to improve neuromuscular function in three clinical conditions.