Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering

Sensorimotor Systems Neuroscience (MOTOR) group

We study structure and function of the healthy and diseased human sensorimotor system.
Sensorimotor systems group photos by Harri Piitulainen

We study structure and function of the healthy and diseased human sensorimotor system. We use magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), diffuse tensor imaging (DTI), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and various biomechanical signals (force, acceleration, 3D-motion tracking etc.). Our current focus is on proprioceptive system (‘movement sense’), but we are interested on all sensory modalities. The sensorimotor system is the basis for human interaction with the environment, and thus some of our studies are focused on social interaction, cognition, embodiment, etc.

Our primary research questions

  • How the brain utilizes sensory afference to execute smooth movements?
  • Are the motor deficits due to sensory deficits in some motor disorders?
  • How adaptable the human somatosensory system is for training and rehabilitation?
  • Do somatosensory deficits in infants predict later motor disorders?
  • How cognitive loading and abilities affect motor performance?
  • How body awareness affects nonverbal-social interaction?

Collaboration

Members

Noora Maria Matilainen

Doctoral Researcher

Recent

Holding an object requires smooth interaction between high and low brain frequencies

Researchers have identified a neuronal mechanism enabling people to maintain constant contraction force.

News

Aalto University receives almost 5,7 million euros key project funding from the Academy of Finland

The funding is especially geared towards early-career researchers.

News

Harri Piitulainen becomes Academy Research Fellow

The Research Council decided to grant Academy Research Fellow salary funding to 11 applicants for the period 1 September 2016 ‒ 31 August 2021.

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