Neuroscience of action and performance

Abstract

This seminar studies the role of the human nervous system in complex motor behavior. We mainly focus on athletic performance, but will also discuss other complex motor skills such as those of musicians or dancers. We will review and critically discuss models of nervous system's contribution to motor learning, endurance, and other aspects of sport physiology.

Objective

This seminar studies the role of the human nervous system in complex motor behavior. We mainly focus on athletic performance, but will also discuss other complex motor skills such as those of musicians or dancers. We will review and critically discuss models of nervous system's contribution to motor learning, endurance, and other aspects of sport physiology. This is a seminar, which means that students have to actively participate in the course's organization and provide its content. Although a few lectures are held by the organizers, most sessions consist in student presentations followed by a general discussion. There are no pre-requisite nor specific requirements besides the active participation described above. There will be no exam, but the credit points will be given only to those who participate. The course's language is english, but exceptions can be made for the student presentations. The program is flexible and will be updated as the semester progresses. We encourage you to check this page regularly to learn about the course's plan and future topics. A number of general and specific topics have been proposed, and new ones will probably be added. So far, the list is: 1) General topics : Heart physiology, role of NS in heart function. Homeostasis during motor performance. Learning of complex motor sequences 2) Specific topics: a) Adaptive motor control Role of motor cortex. Cerebellum. Periaqueductal gray. b) Endurance Peripheral versus central control of fatigue. Endorphins. Autosuggestion, mental training and imaging. Adrenaline. CNS doping. c) Sensori-motor integration Reaction times. Cortical plasticity in sensorimotor learning. 3) Miscellaneous topics of interest: Neuroendocrin contribution to athletic performance (role of testosterone aso.). Pain control during action. Post-injury plasticity in the NS.

Content

This seminar studies the role of the human nervous system in complex motor behavior. We mainly focus on athletic performance, but will also discuss other complex motor skills such as those of musicians or dancers. We will review and critically discuss models of nervous system's contribution to motor learning, endurance, and other aspects of sport physiology. This is a seminar, which means that students have to actively participate in the course's organization and provide its content. Although a few lectures are held by the organizers, most sessions consist in student presentations followed by a general discussion. There are no pre-requisite nor specific requirements besides the active participation described above. There will be no exam, but the credit points will be given only to those who participate. The course's language is english, but exceptions can be made for the student presentations. The program is flexible and will be updated as the semester progresses. We encourage you to check this page regularly to learn about the course's plan and future topics. A number of general and specific topics have been proposed, and new ones will probably be added. So far, the list is: 1) General topics : Heart physiology, role of NS in heart function. Homeostasis during motor performance. Learning of complex motor sequences 2) Specific topics: a) Adaptive motor control Role of motor cortex. Cerebellum. Periaqueductal gray. b) Endurance Peripheral versus central control of fatigue. Endorphins. Autosuggestion, mental training and imaging. Adrenaline. CNS doping. c) Sensori-motor integration Reaction times. Cortical plasticity in sensorimotor learning. 3) Miscellaneous topics of interest: Neuroendocrin contribution to athletic performance (role of testosterone aso.). Pain control during action. Post-injury plasticity in the NS.

Resources