Sensorimotor Systems Neuroscience

“Sensorimotor Systems Neuroscience (MOTOR)” group examines the structure and function of the healthy and diseased human sensorimotor system using behavioral, neurophysiological and neuroimaging measures from the sport and health science perspective. We aim to study the whole system bridging the gap between the brain research and sport science.
Sensorimotor Systems Neuroscience group_Fig1v2
Figure 1. We use comprehensively neurophysiological and biomechanical methods to examine the human sensorimotor system. We have developed proprioceptive stimulators and tests, and wEEG to record the brain function during naturalistic dynamic conditions.

Table of contents

Research group type
Research group
Core fields of research
Physical activity, health and wellbeing
Research areas
Neuromuscular function and adaptation
Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences - Research areas
Faculty
Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences

Research group description

Our MOTOR-research group consists of about 10+ members, mainly PhD, Master and Postdoc students. We focus on the basic mechanisms of function and adaptation of the human sensorimotor system, and especially to the brain basis of motor control, sensorimotor integration, proprioception (i.e. “the movement sense”), motor disorders (cerebral palsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, developmental coordination disorder, Parkinson’s disease, etc), diseases (peripheral neuropathy, diabetes) and injuries (Achilles tendon rupture, ankle fracture, ankle instability, etc.).

Our main research methods include various biomechanical and neuroimaging methods: TMS, transcranial magnetic stimulation | MEG, magnetoencephalography | EEG, electroencephalography | 3T- and 7T-(f)MRI, magnetic-resonance imaging | DWI, diffusion-weighted imaging | wEEG, wireless EEG | HD-EMG, wireless high-density electromyography | IMU, inertial measurement units | 3D-motion analysis | plantar pressure recordings | static and dynamic balance | electrical stimulation | proprioceptive stimulators. We are active users of  

We constantly develop novel methodology for research and clinical use such as: wireless EEG for naturalistic dynamic conditions, neuroimaging compatible proprioceptive stimulators and behavioral automated objective tests for ankle proprioception and spasticity.

We are active users of JYU-neuroimaging infrastructure, e.g.: (1) the Functional Brain Lab (FBL) equipped with navigated TMS-EEG in the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, (2) MEG laboratory in the Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research () and (3) 3T-fMRI system in Hospital Nova through CIBR.

We have active collaboration to facilities housing multi-locus TMS (Aalto Univ., Helsinki, Finland) and 7T-fMRI (National Institute of Mental Health, USA & Harvard Univ., USA).

Recent publications

Main collaborators

News

We are looking for healthy 20-45 year old volunteers to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study to map the hand area of the brain. To participate, you should be: right-handed, not pregnant or professional metal worker, free of for example metal, cardiac pacemaker and infusion pump. Interested? Please contact Dr. Timo Nurmi (timo.nurmi@aalto.fi / +358405663690) to book fMRI session for you. 

Research group

External members

Maxwell Thurston

Doctoral researcher

Simon Schless

Postdoctoral researcher
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Timo Nurmi

Postdoctoral researcher
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Jaakko Vallinoja

Doctoral researcher