简介

Dr. Nelson's interests lie with the physiological and biochemical adaptations of skeletal muscle to acute and chronic stressors (e.g. exercise and environment), and how these adaptations can be manipulated to improve work and/or athletic performance. As a result of this interest, Dr. Nelson is also involved with research into ergogenic aids as well as new and improved methods of physical training. Dr. Nelson performs both basic and applied research. By gaining insight into basic principles, it allows him to be aware of the most efficacious application methods. For instance one of his current areas of investigation revolves around muscle stiffness. He first noted a difference between fast and slow motor units in the stiffness of the myotendinous junction in rats. Based on that observation, he has, along with several collaborators designed studies to investigate the influence of acute and chronic stretching on several performance variables in humans. Those variables influenced by acute stretching are being investigated further to establish whether or not there are any fiber type specific modulations in these variables.