About us
The Movement Science Graduate Program at UT Austin pursues a highly unique approach to the study of movement by integrating both biomechanical and neurophysiological approaches to understand how humans move in the world and how their nervous systems control those movements.
Students graduating from any of our Master’s degree programs are well positioned to pursue careers in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, clinical gait analysis, ergonomics, the sports sciences, or motion analysis for the medical or entertainment industries, or to pursue further doctoral studies. Students graduating from our Ph.D. program typically continue on to pursue outstanding careers in academia and/or biomedical research.
The Movement Science Graduate Program is grounded upon a broad-based curriculum that includes work in biomechanics, motor control, motor learning, and the developmental sciences spanning pediatrics through advanced aging. Supporting work typically includes coursework in neuroscience, engineering, psychology, or the biological sciences.
Areas of specialization
Biomechanics
Developmental Science: Pediatrics and Aging
Motor Control and Learning
Clinical Movement Science
Sports Movement Science
Biomechanics
Our research in biomechanics is dedicated to applying quantitative experimental and modeling approaches from engineering and the analysis of nonlinear dynamical systems to understand the mechanical characteristics and neuromuscular control processes that underlie complex adaptive human movements. These approaches are used to examine both basic and applied questions related to issues such as maintaining dynamic stability during standing and walking, quantifying changes in coordination during fatigue, repetitive stress injuries, learning of complex skills, or understanding the role of neuronal noise in movement coordination.
go to Areas of specialization | go to About us
Developmental Science: Pediatrics and Aging
The purpose of this program of study is to develop knowledge of the mechanisms underlying motor competence changes across the life span. The program of study includes development of research skills in the study of physical function, including neurological, biomechanical, and physiological parameters. Topics of current research include fitness and cognition in older adults, changes in manual dexterity in older adults, the development of force production skills in different age groups, and changes in balance and locomotor skills from infancy through advanced aging.
go to Areas of specialization | go to About us
Motor Control and Learning
Control of movement is being investigated in both basic and applied research projects. The primary emphasis is on using electromyographical intramuscular and surface recording techniques to study neuromuscular and behavioral correlates of performance that are regulated by the central nervous system. Topics include learning-related adaptations, control of posture and locomotion, intersegmental coordination, functional electrical stimulation, and the effects of aging, exercise, training, fatigue, and neurological disorders on both reflexive and voluntary motor performance.
go to Areas of specialization | go to About us
Clinical Movement Science
This program includes a variety of course offerings in motor control, biomechanics, pediatrics and aging. Specific emphasis is placed on clinical and rehabilitation applications. Course offerings include topic areas of biomechanics in clinical settings, motor development assessment and physical dimensions of aging. This program is offered at the Master’s level only.
go to Areas of specialization | go to About us
Sports Movement Science
This program focuses on the neuromuscular and biomechanical control of movement during sport and exercise. Course offerings cover areas like children’s exercise and activity, neuromuscular aspects of training and fatigue, elite sports biomechanics, and performance and learning. This program is offered at the Master’s level only.
go to Areas of specialization | go to About us
Click here for this page in PDF version.
|
