Dr Christopher Richards
Lecturer in Basic Sciences
Department: Comparative Biomedical Sciences
Campus: Camden
Research Groups: Musculoskeletal Biology, CPCS (Research Programme)
Research Centres: Structure & Motion Laboratory
Musculoskeletal biomechanics and neuromuscular control of vertebrate limbs. Vertebrate limbs are capable of diverse movements owing to their intricate musculoskeletal architecture. Using frogs as models, we seek general neuromuscular-mechanical principles which we can apply to understand other vertebrates including humans. Our aims are 1) to explore how structure-function relationships evolved in early amphibians, 2) to understand how musculoskeletal architecture relates to neuromuscular control (e.g. stability, accuracy, robustness) and, 3) to determine how healthy limb function can diminish with age, disease or injury. Towards these aims, we integrate interdisciplinary approaches including experimentation, computational modelling and robotics with an emphasis on developing novel methodology and instrumentation. Please check out our or click the "Research" tab for current projects. Check for information on job/studentship openings in the lab and further lab developments.
#biomechanics #evolutionarybiomechanics #neuromechanics #computationalmodelling #musculoskeletalmodelling
Chris holds degrees in Biology and Violin Performance (Oberlin College & Conservatory, OH, USA). In 2009 he earned a PhD at the Concord Field Station under the supervision of Andrew Biewener in 2009 (Harvard University, MA, USA). From 2009 to 2014 Chris established the Propulsion Physiology Lab under a Jr. Fellowship at the Rowland Institute (Harvard).From 2014-2019 He was a European Research Council research fellow in the Structure and Motion Laboratory. He joined the CBS department as a Lecturer in 2019.
THE BIG PICTURE
Firstly, we want to understand how animal limbs (arms or legs) are able to extend rapidly and accurately to accomplish tasks such as reaching, jumping, running or swimming. In an evolutionary context, we are interested in the underlying musculoskeletal and neuromuscular features that contribute to effective limb motion. Secondly, in a biomedical context, we want to understand how musculoskeletal ageing affects those neuromuscular features to better understand how age affects limb control in humans.
Our work is funded by the European Research Council and the Wellcome Trust
PROJECTS
Project 1: Effects of muscular ageing on neuromuscular coordination
Funded by Wellcome Trust
Aim: To determine how ageing influences neuromuscular coordination.
Background: The neuromuscular systems of limbed vertebrates, including humans, solve a profoundly difficult task – they can control multi-jointed limbs with accuracy, robustness and speed. Such impressive control owes to visuomotor, sensorimotor and muscle-dynamical processes that appear to be “mechanically tuned” for effective limb movement.