Neuromechanics Laboratory


a lab researcher looks at a computer monitor that displays some analysis readings
a student researcher is at a keyboard entering information while a student in the background is walking on a treadmill with wearing a head apparatus.
A lab researcher smiles on as an individual performs a one-arm curl with a flexible band

Our scope

Focus

Using biomechanical and imaging technologies to assess adaptations to skeletal muscle and human performance to a variety of modalities.

Emphasis

Examining the effects of childhood physical inactivity and resistance exercise training on skeletal muscle lipids and function, motor unit activity, and physical performance.

Collaborations & Services


Researcher Team

Trent J Herda
Trent J Herda
Associate Professor

Opportunities for Students & Fellow Researchers

  1. The influence of resistance exercise training on motor unit activity and skeletal muscle function in young children and adults;
  2. The contributions of muscle lipids on metabolic and physical performance impairments in physically inactive children;
  3. Research that explores determinants of motor unit activity during a variety of tasks across the life span;

Testing Capabilities & Equipment

In the Neuromechanics Laboratory, researchers have a particular interest in understanding underlying mechanisms that alter skeletal muscle function between populations or following short- or long-term resistance exercise training interventions. Importantly, we aim to translate improvements to skeletal muscle function on metabolic and physical performance in children.

We utilize a variety of measurements in the laboratory to explore skeletal muscle function:

  1. decomposition methods to examine motor unit activity;
  2. nerve stimulation for voluntary activation and resting twitch forces;
  3. ultrasound to measure muscle cross-sectional area and quality (echo intensity);
  4. MR spectroscopy to directly measure lipid concentrations and saturation levels in skeletal muscle;
  5. muscle biopsies to examine muscle fiber type characteristics; and
  6. isokinetic testing to measure muscular strength and power.

In addition, we include physical activity assessments via accelerometers, insulin resistance, and cardiorespiratory fitness tests to better understand the ramifications of poor skeletal muscle function on metabolic and physical performance in physically inactive children.

The current direction of the Neuromechanics Laboratory is to examine the influence of excessive muscle lipids via MR spectroscopy in children on skeletal muscle development, including indices related to metabolic function and physical performance. We include resistance exercise training interventions in this research to provide direct evidence of the contributions of muscle lipids on poor skeletal muscle and metabolic function.