RESEARCH GROUP

Motor Control and Neuroplasticity

Our research focuses on mechanisms that underly human motor control and brain plasticity across the life span.

Research

We adopt an interdisciplinary approach combining neurophysiology, neuroimaging, biomechanics, and exercise physiology to study human motor control and health across the lifespan.

 

 

 

Our main focus areas are:

  • Behavioral principles governing human movement and motor learning.
  • Mechanisms underlying human motor control.
  • Neuroplasticity accompanying motor skill learning.
  • Effects of exercise and lifestyle factors on motor control, neuroplasticity, and cognitive performance.

 

 

Our methods include:

  • Measurements of motor performance and neuropsychological tests
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (f)MRI)
  • Electroencehalography (EEG)
  • Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Techniques incl. TMS, tDCS, tACS etc.
  • Electromyography (EMG)

 

 

 

 

 

Research projects

 

The purpose of the YourGutBrain project is to investigate whether intake of fermented dairy in comparison with non-fermented dairy increases weekly bowel movements and concordantly improves cognitive performance. This will be investigated through a dietary intervention study including healthy women with few bowel movements per week.

A wide range of measures related to the gut and the brain will be assessed upon consumption of fermented dairy and non-fermented dairy, respectively. Together, this will provide insights into whether fermented dairy can affect bowel habits and cognition, as well as potential underlying mechanisms linking the gut and the brain.

Collaborators

  • Associate Professor Henrik Roager, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Professor Hanne Christine Bertram, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Denmark.
  • Professor Paul Cotter, APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland.

Funding

  • Arla Food for Health (AFH). AFH is a public-private research partnership between University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Arla Foods Amba and Arla Foods Ingredients

Period: 2023-2027

Contact

Associate Professor Anke Karabanov

 

Members of research group

Name Title Phone E-mail
Andreas Wulff-Abramsson Special Consultant +4535336361 E-mail
Anke Ninija Karabanov Associate Professor +4535328039 E-mail
August Lomholt Nielsen PhD Fellow +4535324879 E-mail
Ditte Haagerup Research Assistant +4535332539 E-mail
Hjalte Riis Research Assistant   E-mail
Jacob Feder Piil Special Consultant   E-mail
Jesper Lundbye-Jensen Associate Professor, Head of Section +4535327330 E-mail
Jonas Rud Bjørndal PhD Fellow +4535321587 E-mail
Lasse Jespersen PhD Fellow +4535326133 E-mail
Mikael Novén Postdoc +4535333776 E-mail
Peter Christian Raffalt Associate Professor   E-mail
Rasmus Dam Wiedemann Teaching Assistant   E-mail

PhD fellow Keenie Ayla Andersen, kaa@nexs.ku.dk

Master student Louise Mejer

Master student Anastasia Weakly 

Project student Alkistis Gavriilidou

Project student Sofie Jakobsen