Windows to Complexity 2011

The human dynamic system -- motion science, neuroscience, complex systems and stability

September 26. - 27., Münster

Nonlinear Sciences in the field of human motion science allow for a fundamental understanding of the complex phenomena of human behaviour, with respect to motor control and mechanical properties of the locomotor system and the neural system.

Active movements are generated by well-coordinated muscle contractions, controlled and stabilised by neural circuits. In order to study the sensorimotor system, models need to be developed that allow the analysis of the mechanical apparatus as well as the central nervous system by using methods of the theory of dynamical systems.

One important issue to understand the human dynamic system is the influence of pain on the motor control system in general. Therefore, the present workshop represents a collaboration between the CeNoS and an research project "chronic back pain" supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The consortium is composed so as to span the entire width of the complex interactions that are involved in chronic back pain.

The intention of this workshop is to give an overview over recent developments in this field. The talks cover topics from such diverse fields as physics, medicine, sports science, brain science, engineering and psychology.

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Invited Speakers

Joseph P.Cusumano, Penn State University
Goal Equivalent Fluctuation Dynamics of Human Movement

Volker Dietz, Balgrist University Hospital
Quadrupedal coordination of bipedal locomotion

Jonathan B. Dingwell, University of Texas
Dynamic Stability and Step-to-Step Control of Variability in Human Walking

Peter Giesl, University of Sussex
Stability and basin of attraction for human muscle-skeletal systems

Andre Seyfarth, University Jena
Stability in Walking and Running: Biomechanical Concepts and Challenges

Paulien Roos, Cardiff University
Stability and fall risk of a dynamic walking model

Raoul Huys, University Marseille
Structured Flows on Manifolds: concepts, tools, and applications to motor timing and control

Marc de Lussanet, Universität Münster (BMBF "chronic back pain")
Contribution of visumotor interactions in chronic pain

Reinhard Blickhan, Universität Jena (BMBF "chronic back pain")
Altered or corrupted information of the senso-motor control system affects the kinetic interaction between trunk and legs in reactions to mechanical disturbances

Thomas Weiss, Universität Jena (BMBF "chronic back pain")
Activation of the central nervous system by noxious and pain-associated stimulation in chronic back pain

Christian Puta, Universität Jena (BMBF "chronic back pain")
Somatosensory information processing in chronic back pain