Competing demands on the axial muscles: Effects, consequences, compensations and mechanisms (2006-2008)

The back and neck provide the foundation on which all movement is performed, yet our understanding of how they are controlled by the nervous system is surprisingly poor. A major difference between control of muscles of these regions (axial muscles) and the limbs is that axial muscles must perform functions as diverse as breathing and coordination of the head with the eyes at the same time as controlling movement. In some condition these functions may compete. This could lead to poor control of the back and neck leading to pain. We will investigate how the nervous system coordinates the functions of the axial muscles and whether competition leads to problems. The results will help to understand why some people develop back and neck pain.