Overview
Background
Dr Lucas Orssatto is a Research Fellow at The University of Queensland's School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences and Centre for Sensorimotor Performance. His research investigates how the nervous system controls muscles and human movement, and how changes in these processes contribute to muscle weakness and movement impairments associated with ageing and disease.
His research spans two complementary streams:
Basic science: Motor control and neurophysiology: Investigating how the brain, spinal cord and motor neurones regulate muscle activity, force production and movement. His research uses advanced experimental techniques to understand the neural mechanisms underlying human motor behaviour.
Clinical science: Neuromotor control in ageing and disease: Investigating how changes in nervous system function contribute to muscle weakness, impaired motor control and physical disability, particularly in older adults and people living with sarcopenia or motor neurone disease (MND/ALS). This research aims to improve our understanding of these conditions and inform better approaches to assessing neuromotor function.
His research has been published in leading international journals, including The Lancet Healthy Longevity, Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia, and Muscle, The Journal of Neurophysiology, and The Journal of Physiology.
Availability
- Dr Lucas Orssatto is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy of Exercise Science, Queensland University of Technology
Research interests
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Motor control and neurophysiology
Investigating how the brain, spinal cord and motor neurones control muscle activation and human movement. This research examines the neural mechanisms underlying force production, motor unit behaviour, sensorimotor integration and rapid motor responses, using experimental approaches such as electromyography, brain stimulation and behavioural assessments.
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Neuromotor control in ageing and disease
Investigating how changes in nervous system function contribute to muscle weakness, impaired movement and reduced physical function in ageing and disease. This research focuses particularly on sarcopenia and motor neurone disease (MND/ALS), seeking to understand their underlying neural mechanisms and develop sensitive approaches for assessing and monitoring neuromotor dysfunction.
Works
Search Professor Lucas Orssatto’s works on UQ eSpace
2021
Journal Article
A passive increase in muscle temperature enhances rapid force production and neuromuscular function in healthy adults
Rodrigues, Patrick, Trajano, Gabriel S., Wharton, Lee, Orssatto, Lucas B. R. and Minett, Geoffrey M. (2021). A passive increase in muscle temperature enhances rapid force production and neuromuscular function in healthy adults. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 24 (8), 818-823. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.01.003
2021
Journal Article
Inter-individual rapid force improvements after mixed session and traditional periodization in aging adults: a randomized trial
Moura, Bruno Monteiro, Bezerra, Ewertton de Souza, Orssatto, Lucas B. R., Moro, Antonio Renato Pereira and Diefenthaeler, Fernando (2021). Inter-individual rapid force improvements after mixed session and traditional periodization in aging adults: a randomized trial. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 3 (2), 125-137. doi: 10.1007/s42978-020-00077-y
2021
Journal Article
Estimates of persistent inward currents increase with the level of voluntary drive in low-threshold motor units of plantar flexor muscles
Orssatto, Lucas B. R., Mackay, Karen, Shield, Anthony J., Sakugawa, Raphael L., Blazevich, Anthony J. and Trajano, Gabriel S. (2021). Estimates of persistent inward currents increase with the level of voluntary drive in low-threshold motor units of plantar flexor muscles. Journal of Neurophysiology, 125 (5), 1746-1754. doi: 10.1152/jn.00697.2020
2021
Journal Article
Dissimilar responses of autonomic function and strength to different periodizations in aging adults/ Respostas dissimilares da função autônoma e força para diferentes periodizações em adultos idosos
Bezerra, Ewertton de Souza, Agnol, Cristiano Dall’, Orssatto, Lucas Bet da Rosa, Martins, Thiago Cesar, Simão, Roberto, Nakamura, Fábio Yuzo and Moro, Antônio Renato Pereira (2021). Dissimilar responses of autonomic function and strength to different periodizations in aging adults/ Respostas dissimilares da função autônoma e força para diferentes periodizações em adultos idosos. Brazilian Journal of Development, 7 (4), 33949-33966. doi: 10.34117/bjdv7n4-040
2021
Journal Article
Resistance training exercise selection: efficiency, safety and comfort analysis method
Bezerra, Ewertton de Souza, Schoenfeld, Brad J., Orssatto, Lucas Bet da Rosa, Mayhew, Jerry L. and Ribeiro, Alex Silva (2021). Resistance training exercise selection: efficiency, safety and comfort analysis method. Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano, 23 e82849. doi: 10.1590/1980-0037.2021v23e82849
2020
Journal Article
Photobiomodulation therapy effects on resistance training volume and discomfort in well-trained adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Orssatto, Lucas B. R., Rossato, Mateus, Vargas, Monique, Diefenthaeler, Fernando and de la Rocha Freitas, Cíntia (2020). Photobiomodulation therapy effects on resistance training volume and discomfort in well-trained adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 38 (12), 720-726. doi: 10.1089/photob.2019.4777
2020
Journal Article
Estimativa do torque muscular de extensores do joelho de idosos baseado em testes de desempenho físico funcional
Da Silva, Keuly Garcia, Orssatto, Lucas Bet da Rosa, Barros, Iris Natália Mendonça, Nascimento, Kayth Sousa, Streit, Inês Amanda and Bezerra, Ewertton De Souza (2020). Estimativa do torque muscular de extensores do joelho de idosos baseado em testes de desempenho físico funcional. ConScientiae Saúde, 19 (1) e18247, 1-17. doi: 10.5585/conssaude.v19n1.18247
2020
Journal Article
Effect of photobiomodulation therapy in the 1500 m run: An analysis of performance and individual responsiveness
Dellagrana, Rodolfo André, Rossato, Mateus, Orssatto, Lucas B.R., Sakugawa, Raphael Luiz, Baroni, Bruno Manfredini and Diefenthaeler, Fernando (2020). Effect of photobiomodulation therapy in the 1500 m run: An analysis of performance and individual responsiveness. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 38 (12), 734-742. doi: 10.1089/photob.2019.4785
2020
Journal Article
Neuromuscular determinants of explosive torque: differences among strength‐trained and untrained young and older men
Orssatto, Lucas B. R., Wiest, Matheus J., Moura, Bruno M., Collins, David F. and Diefenthaeler, Fernando (2020). Neuromuscular determinants of explosive torque: differences among strength‐trained and untrained young and older men. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 30 (11), 2092-2100. doi: 10.1111/sms.13788
2020
Journal Article
Dissimilar perceptual response between trained women and men in resistance training to concentric failure: A quasi-experimental study
Orssatto, Lucas B.R., Diefenthaeler, Fernando, Vargas, Monique, Rossato, Mateus and Freitas, Cíntia de la Rocha (2020). Dissimilar perceptual response between trained women and men in resistance training to concentric failure: A quasi-experimental study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24 (4), 527-535. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.06.030
2020
Journal Article
One-year cessation following resistance training differently affects neuromuscular, body composition, and functional capacity in older adults
Bezerra, Ewertton de S., Orssatto, Lucas B. R., Oliveira, Silas N., Sakugawa, Raphael L., Ribeiro, Alex S., Diefenthaeler, Fernando and Moro, Antonio R. P. (2020). One-year cessation following resistance training differently affects neuromuscular, body composition, and functional capacity in older adults. Sport Sciences for Health, 17 (2), 347-355. doi: 10.1007/s11332-020-00695-7
2020
Journal Article
Is power training effective to produce muscle hypertrophy in older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Orssatto, Lucas B.R., Bezerra, Ewertton S., Shield, Anthony J. and Trajano, Gabriel S. (2020). Is power training effective to produce muscle hypertrophy in older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 45 (9), 1031-1040. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2020-0021
2020
Journal Article
Lean, fast and strong: Determinants of functional performance in the elderly
Orssatto, Lucas B.R., Bezerra, Ewertton S., Schoenfeld, Brad J. and Diefenthaeler, Fernando (2020). Lean, fast and strong: Determinants of functional performance in the elderly. Clinical Biomechanics, 78 105073, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.105073
2020
Journal Article
Effects of stretch-shortening cycle fatigue protocol on lower limb asymmetry and muscle soreness in judo athletes
Kons, Rafael Lima, Orssatto, Lucas Bet da Rosa, Sakugawa, Raphael Luiz, da Silva Junior, Jorge Nelson, Diefenthaeler, Fernando and Detanico, Daniele (2020). Effects of stretch-shortening cycle fatigue protocol on lower limb asymmetry and muscle soreness in judo athletes. Sports Biomechanics, 22 (9), 1079-1094. doi: 10.1080/14763141.2020.1779335
2020
Journal Article
Is responsiveness of elderly individuals to resistance training related to habitual nutritional intake? An exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Orssatto, Lucas B. R., Bezerra, Ewertton S., Zwaal, Geraldina Ivana, Moreira, Julia Dubois, Moro, Antonio Renato Pereira, de Moura, Bruno Monteiro, Willardson, Jeffrey M., Simão, Roberto and Diefenthaeler, Fernando (2020). Is responsiveness of elderly individuals to resistance training related to habitual nutritional intake? An exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Sport Sciences for Health, 16 (2), 355-364. doi: 10.1007/s11332-020-00628-4
2020
Journal Article
Acute performance responses during repeated matches in combat sports: A systematic review
Kons, Rafael L., Orssatto, Lucas B.R. and Detanico, Daniele (2020). Acute performance responses during repeated matches in combat sports: A systematic review. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 23 (5), 512-518. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.12.004
2020
Journal Article
Assessing body composition in rugby players: agreement between different methods and association with physical performance
Hartmann Nunes, Renan F., de Souza Bezerra, Ewertton, Orssatto, Lucas B., Moreno, Yara M., Loturco, Irineu, Duffield, Rob, Silva, Diego A. and Guglielmo, Luiz G. (2020). Assessing body composition in rugby players: agreement between different methods and association with physical performance. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 60 (5), 733-742. doi: 10.23736/s0022-4707.20.10487-0
2020
Journal Article
Effect of push-up variations performed with Swiss ball on muscle electromyographic amplitude in trained men: A cross-sectional study
Bezerra, Ewertton de Souza, Orssatto, Lucas Bet da Rosa, Werlang, Leonardo C., Generoso, Arthur Miranda, Moraes, Gabriel and Sakugawa, Raphael L. (2020). Effect of push-up variations performed with Swiss ball on muscle electromyographic amplitude in trained men: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24 (2), 74-78. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.09.004
2020
Journal Article
Acute effect of juçara juice (Euterpe edulis Martius) on oxidative stress biomarkers and fatigue in a high-intensity interval training session: A single-blind cross-over randomized study
Copetti, Cândice Laís Knöner, Orssatto, Lucas B.R., Diefenthaeler, Fernando, Silveira, Taís Thomsen, da Silva, Edson Luiz, de Liz, Sheyla, Mendes, Bruna Cunha, Rieger, Débora Kurrle, Vieira, Francilene Gracieli Kunradi, Hinnig, Patrícia de Fragas, Schulz, Mayara, Fett, Roseane and Di Pietro, Patricia Faria (2020). Acute effect of juçara juice (Euterpe edulis Martius) on oxidative stress biomarkers and fatigue in a high-intensity interval training session: A single-blind cross-over randomized study. Journal of Functional Foods, 67 103835, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.103835
2020
Journal Article
Passive muscle stretching reduces estimates of persistent inward current strength in soleus motor units
Trajano, Gabriel S., Taylor, Janet L., Orssatto, Lucas B. R., McNulty, Craig R. and Blazevich, Anthony J. (2020). Passive muscle stretching reduces estimates of persistent inward current strength in soleus motor units. Journal of Experimental Biology, 223 (21) 21, 1-6. doi: 10.1242/jeb.229922
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Lucas Orssatto is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Lucas Orssatto directly for media enquiries about:
- Age-related muscle loss
- Ageing and Movement
- Brain and movement
- Healthy ageing
- Human movement
- Movement control
- Muscle strength
- Muscle weakness
- Nervous system
- Sarcopenia
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