The primary aim of the research line is to increase understanding of the dynamics (injury, recovery, adaptation) of the musculoskeletal system in the light of its function as a mechanical system. This aim is not only described on the basis of a theoretical interest, but also because such increased understanding will facilitate problem-solving, with respect to issues regarding injury and adaptation of the musculoskeletal system, in several fields of practice (e.g. ergonomics and surgery).
Examples of questions addressed are:

• How do imposed task demands influence control and mechanical loading?
• How are control and performance altered due to changes of musculoskeletal properties in fatigue, aging, and after injury and in chronic disorders?
• Are adaptation processes functional (i.e. help to counteract (effects of) injury or rather maladaptive, i.e. a cause of (further) injury?
• How can clinical interventions be modelled mechanically to understand their effects on motor performance?
• What are the mechanisms controlling muscular adaptation?
• How are muscular properties affected by higher levels of organization of the apparatus?
• Why is muscular adaptation different for isolated muscle fibres than for muscle in vivo?