Neuroscience

Neuroscience at GIH is the study of the structure, function and adaptation of the nervous system, and its importance for cognition, learning, motor control, physical performance, injuries and disease, recovery and health throughout life. The subject has a long tradition at GIH.

Neuroscience from a sports and health perspective

Our nervous system enables us to interact with our surroundings, from adapting our running stride when running in the forest to learning formal or informal skills at school or in social situations. This ability is influenced by genetics, lifestyle and, not least, age.

Research and teaching in neuroscience, including cognitive neuroscience, at GIH focus on whether and how physical activity, fitness and sedentary behaviour affect the mechanisms of the nervous system, its growth, plasticity, physiology and age change, and how these underpin the ability to interact. A special focus is on studying in detail how different types of physical activity, such as dance, running, strength training, interval training, etc., relate to effects on the nervous system.

Specialisations

Studies of physiological mechanisms important for structure, function, or adaptation, as the acute effects of physical activity.
Epidemiological studies on longitudinal and cross-sectional relationships among physical activity, fitness, biomarkers, measures of learning, and cognitive abilities.
Studies of mechanisms and relationships in individuals with neurological injuries or diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, or neuropsychiatric disorders.

Collaboration and partners

Neuroscience at GIH has an extensive network of partners in industry, government and non-commercial organisations. Through the research environment E-PABS, there is close collaboration with companies in clinical rehabilitation and care. Furthermore, insurance companies and manufacturers of fitness equipment are winning. Authorities, such as the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the Swedish Armed Forces, have long collaborated closely with GIH on studies relevant to neuroscience.

Short address to this page: www.gih.se/neuroscience