Research team
Expertise
I am a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at the University of Antwerp, working on our EU-funded project I-MUSCLE. We aim to reveal the functional relation between 3D muscle shape changes and muscle force. By combining state-of-the-art imaging modalities (X-ray & CT) with in situ electrical muscle stimulations and force measurements, we aim to create statistical shape models of muscle contraction and explore the relation with muscle force. The project is hosted at the Functional Morphology Laboratory at the Department of Biology, in collaboration with Prof Peter Aerts & Prof Sam Van Wassenbergh. Prior to this, I worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the The University of Queensland, University of Nantes, and as a Scholarship holder at The Pennsylvania State University. I have experience in using techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of muscle, machine learning, high-density (HD) electromyography (EMG), 3D printing, intramuscular fine-wire EMG measurements, intramuscular and peripheral muscle and nerve stimulations. I completed my Masters and PhD in the Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group at KU Leuven. I used combinations of ultrasound imaging of muscle and tendon tissues, with kinematic and kinetic data analyses and musculoskeletal modelling to investigate muscle-tendon interactions in explosive human movements. I also have experience working with inertial measurement units for tibial load and shock absorption analyses.
Imaging of muscle shape changes during electrically-stimulated contractions (I-MUSCLE).
Abstract
To generate movement, muscles contract, and by doing so change shape. While such shape changes are obvious and intrinsic to force generation, we know little about their functional role. Since muscle forces remain difficult (often impossible) to be measured in vivo, understanding the precise link between muscle shape changes and muscle forces will thus have an important fundamental and, ultimately, also applied scientific impact. For this purpose, advancing methodologies to measure 3Dmuscle shape changes during contraction is required. In I-MUSCLE, I propose to first advance innovative techniques to measure whole muscle shape changes during contractions, and secondly, to use these advancements to answer key questions about 3D muscle shape changes and their role in force production. I will take an in situ approach to study the calf muscle of guinea fowl. I will measure muscle shape changes by using ultrafast computed tomography (< 2s) and high-speed stereo X-ray videography (up to 750Hz), while also recording muscle forces. The muscle will be stimulated electrically to induce various contraction states. Gaining a better understanding of how muscles change shape under realistic conditions and how these shape changes are linked to muscle force generation is critical for gaining innovative neuromechanical and -physiological insights in muscle function. Ultimately, this may lead to practical applications such as bio-inspired robotics and improved rehabilitation procedures.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Aerts Peter
- Fellow: Aeles Jeroen
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project