Research Facilities

Research Facilities

The Neuromuscular Function Research Group is equipped with a comprehensive suite of specialist instrumentation for investigating human motor system neurophysiology, neuromuscular performance, and exercise physiology. Our facilities support research spanning corticospinal and reticulospinal neurophysiology, electromyography, isokinetic and isometric force assessment, and biological sampling, enabling both fundamental and clinically translational research programmes.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

We hold a dedicated TMS suite comprising a Magstim 200 single-pulse stimulator and two Magstim BiStim units for paired-pulse protocols. Together, these systems allow assessment of corticospinal excitability, cortical inhibition and facilitation, and the mapping of motor cortical representations. A range of coils, including figure-of-eight and double-cone configurations, are available to support both focal and large-area stimulation paradigms.

Peripheral Nerve and Neuromuscular Stimulation

For peripheral neuromuscular stimulation, the laboratory is equipped with two Digitimer DS7A constant-current stimulators and three Digitimer high-voltage constant-current stimulators, enabling precise stimulus delivery for H-reflex, V-wave, and twitch interpolation techniques.

Electromyography and Data Acquisition

Electromyographic and physiological signals are acquired using four Cambridge Electronic Design (CED) 1401 data acquisition units, each paired with a CED 1902 signal conditioner, providing high-fidelity multi-channel recording environments capable of supporting simultaneous acquisition of EMG, force, and neurophysiological signals. A Digitimer NeuroLog modular system offers additional flexibility for signal conditioning across a broad range of experimental applications. An ADInstruments PowerLab system with bioamplifier and LabChart 8 software provides a further versatile platform for EMG and EEG recording.

High-Density Electromyography

The group operates an OTB Quattrocento high-density EMG (HD-EMG) system, enabling decomposition of motor unit discharge behaviour from large electrode arrays. This system supports research into motor unit recruitment, rate coding, and motor unit-level adaptations to training and rehabilitation interventions.

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

The group operates an Artinis Brite 24-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system, enabling continuous, portable measurement of cortical haemodynamics during rest and exercise. By detecting changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin, fNIRS provides a practical and motion-tolerant complement to other neuroimaging modalities, making it particularly well suited to studies of cortical activation during dynamic exercise, motor learning, and rehabilitation paradigms.

Isokinetic and Isometric Force Assessment

A Biodex System 4 isokinetic dynamometer enables precise assessment of joint torque across a range of velocities and muscle groups, supporting strength testing and exercise protocols for both healthy and clinical populations. Supplementary load cells are available for isometric force measurement in custom experimental configurations.

Ergometry and Exercise Testing

The group has access to a range of cycle ergometers, including a Watt Bike, a Monark ergometer, and Woosh bikes, supporting graded exercise testing, high-intensity interval protocols, and experimental paradigms including blood flow restriction exercise.

Biological Sampling

Dedicated facilities are available for muscle biopsy and blood sampling procedures, enabling integration of molecular and biochemical outcomes with our in vivo neurophysiological and neuromuscular measures. These capabilities support mechanistic investigations into exercise adaptation, rehabilitation, and neuromuscular plasticity.