About this Research Topic
The term "neuromechanics" defines an integrative approach that combines the neuromuscular control and the biomechanical aspects of physical behavior in humans and animals. Crucial to this approach is a detailed description and modeling of the interaction between the nervous system and the controlled biomechanical plant. Only then do we have the broader context within which to understand evolution, movement mechanics, neural control, energetics, disability and rehabilitation.
In addition to enabling new basic science directions, understanding the interrelations between movement neural and mechanical function should also be leveraged for the development of personalized wearable technologies to augment or restore the motor capabilities of healthy or impaired individuals. Similarly, this understanding will empower us to revisit current approaches to the design and control of robotic and humanoid systems to produce truly versatile human-like physical behavior and adaptation in real-world environments.
This Research Topic is therefore poised at an opportune moment to promote understanding of apparently disparate topics into a coherent focus including (but not limited to):
- Computational and systems modeling of neuromuscular control
- System identification of neuro-muscular parameters
- Neuromuscular control via populations of spiking neurons
- Muscle synergies of neural and biomechanical origin
- Efferent and afferent neuromuscular pathways
- Recordings in the nervous system in the context of physical behavior
- Propriospinal control of multi-muscle, multi-joint limbs
- Neuromechanical models for rehabilitation and augmentation technologies
- Human-machine interfaces for assistance, rehabilitation and augmentation
- Neuromimetic/neuromorphic assistive and humanoid robots
- Biomimetic design and control of artificial limbs
- Cognitive processes and sensorimotor control in the context of the biomechanical apparatus
Keywords: Sensory-motor system, Biorobotics, Neuromechanical Modeling, Motor Control, Neuro-technologies
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
