The primary objective of research within this subprogramme is to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of optimum performance of the different organ systems relevant for human movement, how these organ systems contribute to optimum human movement performance, and how changes in (part of) one or more of the (sub) systems affect performance of the (sub) systems and the optimisation of whole body performance. The research is centered on:

• The changes in neuromuscular properties that occur during repetitive exercise, and their underlying mechanisms and consequences for human performance.
• The way in which the human movement system and its organ systems optimises performance within (neuro-) physiological and biomechanical boundary conditions and task constraints.
• The adaptations that occur in the human movement system and its control as a result of disease, impairment, ageing, disuse, fatigue, learning and training.

• What are the main acute changes that occur in neuromuscular, cardiovascular and mechanical properties during repetitive exercise?
• What are the adaptations that occur in neuromuscular, cardiovascular and mechanical propertied as a result of a chronic increase of decrease in activity?
• Which mechanisms underlie the changes in neuromuscular, cardiovascular and mechanical properties of the human movement systems?
• What are the consequences of changes in neuromuscular properties for human performance?
• How is gross motor function and functionality optimised in health and disease and which are the relevant underlying neuromuscular, energetic and biomechanical factors that explain this process of optimisation?
• Which mechanisms underlie the consequences of adaptation (e.g. disease, impairment, aging, disuse, fatigue, training, learning) for human exercise?