Movement Capabilities Depend on Neuromuscular Properties (Coursera)

Movement Capabilities Depend on Neuromuscular Properties (Coursera)

Movement Capabilities Depend on Neuromuscular Properties is the third course of the specialization "Science of Movement". Get ready to delve into the fascinating world of how our neuromuscular properties shape our movement capabilities in various contexts. In this course, we will explore the intricate association between our nervous system and muscles, and how they work together to determine our physical performance, adaptability, and recovery.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

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.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron (edX) EdX
HarvardX,Harvard University

Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron (edX)

Learn how electricity makes the neurons in your brain tick. Fundamentals of Neuroscience is a three-courseseries that explores the structure and function of the nervous system—from the inner workings of a single nerve cell to the staggering complexity of the brain and the social interactions they enable.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Specialized Cells (edX) EdX
University of Queensland,UQx

Specialized Cells (edX)

An introduction to cell physiology. Learn how specialized cells perform specific functions. The human body is composed of trillions of cells working together to perform essential body functions. Cells operate in a regulated internal environment, with different types of cells having unique properties suited to their specific functions. In this course we will dive into the complex world of human physiology, starting at the cellular level.

May 31st 2022
5-12 Weeks
Internet of Things for Active Aging (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Taipei Medical University

Internet of Things for Active Aging (FutureLearn)

Learn about how the Internet of Things can help people aging well with this free online course. The Internet of Things (IoT) includes many new digital health technologies, from apps to wearable devices to home sensors - devices that are expected to revolutionize healthcare in the near future. But when will they become truly useful and usable for those with the most at stake: older adults with multiple medical problems? This is just one of the questions we will tackle on this course.

Apr 4th 2022
4 Weeks
Music Moves: Why Does Music Make You Move? (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Oslo

Music Moves: Why Does Music Make You Move? (FutureLearn)

Learn about the psychology of music and movement, and how researchers study music-related movements, with this free online course. Learn about why and how music makes you move. Music is movement. A bold statement, but one that we will explore together in this free online course. Together we will study music through different types of body movement. This includes everything from the sound-producing keyboard actions of a pianist to the energetic dance moves in a club.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks
The Science of Training Young Athletes (Coursera) Coursera
University of Florida

The Science of Training Young Athletes (Coursera)

Seventy percent of kids drop out of sports before their high school graduation. Only 15% leave because they feel they are not good enough. Almost 70% leave because they were not having fun, or due to problems with the coach. Injuries cause 30% to give up sports. This course is packed full of practical sports science information that provide youth coaches and parents with the practical pediatric sports science insights to successfully retain young athletes and develop their sport potential while avoiding injury and overtraining.

Jul 27th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Alexander Technique: Balanced Posture for Ease and Comfort (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Alexander Technique: Balanced Posture for Ease and Comfort (Coursera)

Many of us spend our days sitting at a desk, looking down at our phones, or moving in ways that cause significant discomfort for our bodies. In the Alexander Technique: Balanced Posture for Ease and Comfort, explore how this novel approach to your body’s organization and coordinated movement can help relieve pain and tension, promote calm, improve sleep, and allow you to breathe fully and easily without effort.

Jul 20th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Creating a Team Culture of Continuous Learning (Coursera) Coursera
University of Pennsylvania

Creating a Team Culture of Continuous Learning (Coursera)

There is mounting concern that organizational groups and teams often fail to learn from their past experiences. It’s pertinent to address this issue as groups and teams are often the main ways that work gets done in organizations. In this course, we examine the main reasons that groups and teams are often ineffective, which include: the lack of organizational structures and support for teams and groups; the lack of understanding and emphasis on learning; misaligned reward structures.

Jul 27th 2026
4 Weeks
Machine Design Part I (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Machine Design Part I (Coursera)

“Machine Design Part I” is the first course in an in-depth three course series of “Machine Design.” The “Machine Design” Coursera series covers fundamental mechanical design topics, such as static and fatigue failure theories, the analysis of shafts, fasteners, and gears, and the design of mechanical systems such as gearboxes. Throughout this series of courses we will examine a number of exciting design case studies, including the material selection of a total hip implant, the design and testing of the wing on the 777 aircraft, and the impact of dynamic loads on the design of an bolted pressure vessel. In this first course, you will learn robust analysis techniques to predict and validate design performance and life.

Jul 20th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Davis

Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know (Coursera)

We explore “10 things” that range from the menu of materials available to engineers in their profession to the many mechanical and electrical properties of materials important to their use in various engineering fields. We also discuss the principles behind the manufacturing of those materials. By the end of the course, you will be able to: recognize the important aspects of the materials used in modern engineering applications; explain the underlying principle of materials science: “structure leads to properties,”; identify the role of thermally activated processes in many of these important “things” – as illustrated by the Arrhenius relationship; relate each of these topics to issues that have arisen (or potentially could arise) in your life and work.

Aug 3rd 2026
5-12 Weeks