Muscle researcher appointed professor of sports biology and health
Kristian Overgaard conducts research into muscles, their physiology and the changes that take place in the muscles when they are put to work. On 1 November, he took up a position as professor at Aarhus University’s Department of Public Health.
Which cellular processes in the muscles lead to fatigue during and after hard training, and how can a person postpone or completely avoid fatigue? These are some of the questions that Professor Kristian Overgaard starts with in his research into muscle physiology.
In one of his current research projects, he examines how muscle function is regulated – including how e.g. potassium, glycogen and lactic acid affect the ability of the muscles to develop power during intense dynamic work. To do this, he and his research colleagues use stimulation patterns that simulate the way in which the central nervous system activates the muscles.
The new professorship strengthens research in the field of muscle function and physiology and its importance for health and performance. This can lead to improved training programmes for both professional athletes who need to perform optimally during high-intensity work, and for patients or elderly people for whom better muscle function will make everyday activities easier to undertake.
Contact
Professor & PhD Kristian Overgaard
Aarhus University, Department of Public Health
Mobile: (+45) 51 66 65 48
Email: overgaard@ph.au.dk