The Human Motor System in the Nordic Environment: Neurophysiology, Applied and Social Aspects
Title: The Human Motor System in the Nordic Environment: Neurophysiology, Applied and Social Aspects (2 ECTS)
Responsible person: Alexander Meigal (PhD, professor)
Content description:
1. Neurophysiological aspect. The motor system has a dual role in homeostatic organisms, including humans: – motion and thermoregulation. Muscles produce heat during voluntary contraction and cold shivering (tremor), and also help to build a posture, which minimizes heat losses. In turn, temperature affects muscle contraction both during short-term and long-term action (adaptation to cold).
2. Work in the Cold. Cold shivering may affect the efficiency of fine movement, while decrease of muscle temperature lowers gross muscular activities. Muscular fatigue in the cold. Hand dexterity in the cold.
3. Social aspect. “Motion in the Cold” has social aspects, including increased risk of falls and traumas in the winter time on slippery surfaces. Older people with weak motor system in the cold. Winter sports and leisure time. Vacation in the Southern countries (adaptation aspects).
