The Science of Movement

University of Colorado Boulder via Coursera Specialization

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Provider

Coursera Specialization
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Duration & workload

12 weeks, 20 hours a week

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Overview

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This Specialization is intended for individuals seeking to understand how the nervous system controls muscle forces that drive movement. Through three courses, you will learn how to distinguish the role of different parts of the nervous system in producing movement, which inform the development of interventions that can improve and restore movement capabilities. The skills and understanding you have developed throughout "The Science of Movement" sequence will undoubtedly prove valuable as you navigate your chosen path. We hope that this course sequence has ignited a passion for understanding and studying the science of movement within you!

Syllabus

Course 1: Movements Are Controlled By Muscle Forces
Course 2: Fundamental Neural Pathways For Movement
Course 3: Movement Capabilities Depend on Neuromuscular Properties

Courses

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8 hours 37 minutes
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Movements Are Controlled By Muscle Forces is the first course of the specialization "Science of Movement". In this course, we will delve into the mechanisms by which our nervous system communicates with our muscles, allowing us to perform a wide range of coordinated movements with precision. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, a sports coach, a medical student, or simply curious about the inner workings of your body, this course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how the nervous system plays a vital role in enabling our muscles to produce movements. The discussion begins with an explanation of how the activation signal is generated by neurons and then transmitted to targeted muscles. You will learn how the nervous system provides muscles with the activation signals needed to perform movement. You will learn about the contractile properties of motor units and how the force produced by a muscle depends on the amount of motor unit activity. By the end of this course, you will have gained a deep understanding of the intricate relation between the nervous system and muscle activation. You will be equipped with knowledge that can be applied to various fields, such as exercise prescription, sports performance, physical therapy, and neurology.
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9 hours 3 minutes
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Fundamental Neural Pathways For Movement is the second course of the specialization "Science of Movement". This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of the intricate processes that govern our ability to move and perform complex motor tasks. In this course you will learn how generation of the activation signals required for movement can involve different parts of the nervous system. The discussion begins with the simplest neural pathways, those involving reflexes. Despite the simplicity of these pathways, the responses they produce depend on the context in which they are activated. The second type of movement to be considered will be the automatic behaviors produced by rhythmic activation signals. You will learn that these signals are constrained by the biomechanical requirements for the movement, they are modulated by the information received by the central nervous system from sensory receptors, and they are controlled by different parts of the brain. By the end of this course, you will have gained a solid understanding of the neural pathways that underlie reflexes, locomotion, and intentional actions. You will appreciate the remarkable complexity and organization of our nervous system, and how it enables us to interact with the world around us. Whether you are interested in sports science, rehabilitation, or neurology, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel.
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11 hours 58 minutes
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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. 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.