Cognition, Neuroplasticity, & Sarcopenia (CNS) Lab
UCF School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences
Overview
The CNS Lab conducts high-quality interdisciplinary clinical research among diverse populations of all ages. We investigate the neurophysiological origins of lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries, with a focus on developing therapeutic interventions to enrich orthopedic rehabilitation. Our research also encompasses age-related physiological changes, disuse muscle atrophy, and the effects of resistance training on musculoskeletal health and recovery. By integrating these areas of study, we aim to advance orthopedic care, promote active lifestyles, and enhance recovery processes for individuals across different age groups and conditions.
Mission
To optimize health and well-being for individuals with orthopedic injury and across the lifespan through innovative practices that leverage the plasticity of the neuromuscular system.
Vision
Drive the fields of kinesiology and rehabilitation sciences by promoting long-term health and well-being for diverse populations through the translation of interdisciplinary clinical research into practice.
Research Capabilities
Housed in a 1,415 square foot facility within the Institute of Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, the CNS lab leverages diverse and innovative methodological approaches to measure constructs of visual-cognition, attention, neuromuscular physiology, corticomuscular dynamics, functional performance, and patient-reported function via laboratory-based instrumentation and clinically oriented paradigms.
Muscle Strength, Function, and Activation
- Biodex System 4 Isokinetic Dynamometer (×2)
- Delsys Trigno Avanti (32 channels) and Galileo (4 channels) Wireless EMG System
- Delsys Bagnoli Wired EMG System (16 channels)
- BIOPAC Wired EMG System (4 channels)
- Noraxon Wireless EMG System (9 channels)
- Custom-Built Isometric Strength Testing Stations (Knee Extension and Elbow Flexion)
- Tindeq Progressor 300 Dynamometer
- Delsys Trigno Hand Performance Monitor
- Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer
- Jamar Digital Hand Dynamometer
- VALD Performance NordBord Hamstring Testing System
- Resistance Training Equipment (e.g., Squat Rack, Leg Press, Leg Extension, Barbells)
Muscle Mass and Quality
- GE NextGen LOGIQ e Portable Ultrasound
- Impedimed Research Body Composition Analyzer
Neurocognition & Physical Function
- FITLIGHT Neurocognitive Reaction Sensors
- Dashr Reactive Timing Gates
- Senaptec Pro Visual Perturbation Glasses
- Bertec Portable Force Platforms
- Meta Quest 3 Virtual Reality Headset
- VIVE Focus 3 Virtual Reality Headset
- Tobii 3 Pro Mobile Eye-Tracking Glasses
- Noraxon Inertial Measurement Unit and Plantar Pressure System
Data Acquisition
- BIOPAC MP160 Data Acquisition System
- AD Instruments PowerLab Data Acquisition Hardware Device
- National Instruments Data Acquisition Device
Neurophysiology
- Magstim BiStim2 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator with Double Cone Coil
- Digitimer Constant Current Stimulator
- BIOPAC Stimulation Module
- Digitimer Electrode Impedance Meter
- Neuroconn Transcranial Direct Current Stimulator
- Brain Vision Electroencephalography System (64 channels wired, 32 channels wireless)
Software
- AD Instruments LabChart
- BIOPAC AcqKnowledge
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Noraxon myoRESEARCH Suite
- VALD ForceDecks
- MathWorks MATLAB
- Delsys EMGWorks and NeuroMap
Meet Our Team
Co-Directors
Meredith Chaput, Ph.D., PT, DPT, SCS
Assistant Professor
Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation Science, Physical Therapy
E-mail: meredith.chaput@ucf.edu
Grant E. Norte, Ph.D., ATC
Associate Professor
Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation Science, Kinesiology
E-mail: Grant.Norte@ucf.edu
Matt Stock, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation Science, Physical Therapy
E-mail: matt.stock@ucf.edu
Doctoral Students
Masters Students
Lab Alumni
Selected Relevant Publications
Our laboratory makes a concerted effort to publish our findings in respected academic journals and present at regional, national, and international conferences. In addition to contributing to collective body of knowledge in a given field, presenting original data at conferences is a fun way for the lab’s students to enhance their self-confidence and network with other scientists.
- Chaput M, Simon JE, Taberner M, Grooms DR. From Control to Chaos: Visual-Cognitive Progression During Recovery from ACL Reconstruction. Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 2024. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2024.12443
- Mongold SJ, Georgiev C, Naeije G, van der Ghinst M, Stock MS, Bourguignon M. Age-Related Changes in Muscle Composition and Postural Stability: An Ultrasound-Based Approach. Scientific Reports. 2024. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-69374-8
- Ruple BA, Vann CG, Sexton CL, Osburn SC, Smith MA, Godwin JS, Mumford PW, Stock MS, Edison JL, Roberts MD, Young KC. Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography is a Valid Imaging Technique for Tracking Changes in Skeletal Muscle Cross-Sectional Area. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. 2024. doi: 10.1111/cpf.12885
- Beausejour JP, Knowles KS, Wilson AT, Mangum LC, Hill EC, Hanney WJ, Wells AJ, Fukuda DH, Stout JR, Stock MS. Innovations in the Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Health: A Glimpse into the Future. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024. doi: 10.1055/a-2242-3226
- Beausejour JP, Rusch J, Knowles KS, Pagan JI, Chaput M, Norte GE, DeFreitas JM, Stock MS. A comparison of techniques to determine active motor threshold for transcranial magnetic stimulation research. Brain Research. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149111
- Harmon KK, Girts RM, Rodriguez G, Beausejour JP, Pagan JI, Carr JC, Garcia J, Roberts MD, Hahs-Vaugh DL, Stout JR, Fukuda DH, Stock MS. Combined Action Observation and Mental Imagery vs. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation as Novel Therapeutics During Short-Term Knee Immobilization. Experimental Physiology. 2024. doi: 10.1113/EP091827
- Lyons KM, Stock MS, Hanney WJ, Anderson AW. The Effect of Resistance Training on Multimodal Pain Thresholds In Local And Systemic Muscle Sites. Physiological Reports, 2024. doi: 10.14814/phy2.16123
- MacLennan RJ, Hernandez-Sarabia JA, Reese SM, Shields JE, Smith CM, Stute K, Collyar J, Olmos AA, Danielson TL, MacLennan DL, Pagan JI, Harmon KK, Girts RM, Coker NA, Carr JC, Ye X, Perry JW, Stock MS, Defreitas JM. Determining fNIRS Ability to Discern Laterality of Lower Body Contractions. Experimental Brain Research. 2024. doi: 10.1007/s00221-024-06798-8
- Girts RM, Harmon KK, Rodriguez G, Beausejour JP, Pagan JI, Carr JC, Garcia J, Stout JR, Fukuda DH, Stock MS. Sex differences in muscle quality recovery following one week of knee joint immobilization and subsequent retraining. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 2024. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0242
- Schwartz AL, Norte GE, Bonnette S, Stock MS, Chaput M, Sherman DA. Letter to the Editor: Steadiness, Smoothness, And Regularity: Looking Beyond Force Variability to Construct a Holistic Description of Force Quality. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2024. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00208.2024
- Pagan JI, Bradshaw BA, Bejte B, Hart JN, Perez V, Knowles KS, Beausejour JP, Luzadder M, Osorio C, Menger R, Harmon KK, Hanney WJ, Wilson AT, Stout JR, Stock MS. Task-Specific Resistance Training Adaptations in Older Adults: Comparing Traditional and Functional Exercise Interventions. Frontiers in Aging. 2024. doi: 10.3389/fragi.2024.1335534
- Beausejour JP, Guinto G, Artrip C, Corvalan A, Furtado Mesa M, Lebron MA, Stock MS. Successful Powerlifting in a Unilateral, Transtibial Amputee: A Descriptive Case Series. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2024. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004733
- Parsowith EJ, Stock MS, Kocuba O, Schumpp A, Jackson K, Brooks AM, Larson A, Dixon M, Fairman CM. Impact of Short-Term Creatine Supplementation on Muscular Performance Among Breast Cancer Survivors. Nutrients. 2024. doi: 10.3390/nu16070979
- Gonzalez Rojas DH, Wizenberg AM, Rivera PM, Proppe CE, Lawson JE, Stock MS, Stout JR, Billaut F, Hill EC. Acute Effects of Sprint Interval Training and Blood Flow Restriction on Neuromuscular and Muscle Function. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions. 2024. PMID: 38427367
- Takeno K, Ingersoll CD, Glaviano NR, Khuder S, Norte GE. Upper Extremity Neuromuscular Function Can Distinguish Between Individuals with and without Glenohumeral Labral Repair. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2024.
- Schwartz AL, Koohestani M, Sherman DA, Rush JL, Stock MS, Norte GE. Knee Extensor and Flexor Force Control After ACL Injury and Reconstruction: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2024.
- Norte GE, Sherman DA, Rush JL, Ingersoll CD, Bodkin SG, Snyder-Mackler L, Grindstaff TL, Burland JP, Hopkins JT, Blackburn T, Chaput M, Konishi Y, Rice DA, Hart JM, Harkey MS, Zarzycki R, Palmieri-Smith RM, Lepley LK, Lepley AS, Pamukoff DN, Park J, Lisee C, Pietrosimone B, Thomas AC, Goetschius J, Tourville TW, Kidgell DJ, Kuenze CM. Advancing Clinical Evaluation and Treatment of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition: A Need for Validation and Innovation—Letter to the Editor. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024.
- Tortoli E, Gokeler A, Tak I, Pellicciari L, Norte GE. Is Visual Reliance Increased in Athletes After ACL Injury? A Scoping Review. Sports Medicine. 2024. doi: 10.1007/s40279-024-02085-2
- Rachid Z, Batista N, De Oliveira Silva D, Glaviano NR, Norte GE, Bazett-Jones DM. Reliability and Validity of Tension and Belt-Stabilized Dynamometry. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2024.07.004
- Rush JL, Murray AM, Sherman DA, Gokeler A, Norte GE. Hop Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Cleared for Landing, But Ready for Take-Off? Journal of Athletic Training. 2024. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0628.23
- Smith EM, Sherman DA, Duncan S, Murray A, Chaput M, Murray AM, Bazett-Jones DM, Norte GE. Test-Retest Reliability and Visual Perturbation Performance Costs During Two Reactive Agility Tasks. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2024. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2023-0433
- McWethy M, Norte GE, Bazett-Jones DM, Murray AM, Rush JL. Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Performance of the Landing Error Scoring System. Journal of Athletic Training. 2024. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0558.23
- Fernandes C, Norte GE, Schwab S, Gokeler A, Murray AM, Bazett-Jones DM, Sherman DA. Interpersonal Coordination Between Female Soccer Players: Leader-Follower Roles within a Collision-Avoidance Task. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2024. doi: 10.26603/001c.116156
- Batista NP, de Oliveira Silva D, Mochizuki L, Norte GE, Bazett-Jones DM. Clinic- and Laboratory-Based Measures of Postural Control in Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Evidence Gap Map. Gait and Posture. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.02.002
- Sadeqi S, Norte GE, Murray AM, Erbulut D, Goel V. Two-to-Three Times Increase in Natural Hip and Lumbar Non-Sagittal Plane Kinematics Can Lead to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Cartilage Failure Scenarios During Single-Leg Landings. Clinical Biomechanics. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2024.106170
- Zambarano E, Glaviano NR, Bouillon L, Norte GE, Murray AM. Effect of Exhaustive Exercise on Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex Stability, Muscle Activity, and Movement Patterns. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2023.102852
- Riehm CD, Bonnette S, Rush JL, Diekfuss JA, Koohestani M, Myer GD, Norte GE, Sherman DA. Corticomuscular Cross Recurrence Analysis Reveals Between-Limb Differences in Motor Control Among Individuals with ACL Reconstruction. Experimental Brain Research. 2024. doi: 10.1007/s00221-023-06751-1
- Candow DG, Forbes DG, Forbes SC, Ostojic SM, Prokopidis K, Stock MS, Harmon KK, Faulkner P. “Heads Up” for Creatine Supplementation. Sports Medicine. 2023. doi: 10.1007/s40279-023-01870-9
- Altiner BLM, Dixon MA, Nite C, Stock MS. Toward Professionalization of the Strength and Conditioning Field. Strength and Conditioning Journal. 2023. doi: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000787
- Parsowith EJ, Stock MS, Girts RM, Beausejour JP, Alberto A, Carr JC, Harmon KK. The influence of resistance training experience on the efficacy of motor imagery for acutely increasing corticospinal excitability. Brain Sciences. 2023. doi: 10.3390/brainsci13121635
- Knowles KS, Beausejour JP, Harmon KK, Girts RM, Fukuda DH, Kidgell DJ, Stock, MS. The Influence of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Interpulse Interval Duration on Knee Extensor Corticospinal Excitability. Brain Connectivity. 2023. doi: 10.1089/brain.2023.0020
- Sherman DA, Rush JL, Stock MS, Ingersoll CD, Norte GE. Neural Drive and Motor Unit Characteristics After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Implications for Quadriceps Weakness. PeerJ. 2023. doi: 10.7717/peerj.16261
- Beausejour JP, Bohlen PS, Harmon KK, Girts RM, Pagan JI, Hahs-Vaughn DL, Herda TJ, Stock MS. A Comparison of Techniques for Verifying the Accuracy of Precision Decomposition-Derived Motor Unit Firing Rates and Recruitment Thresholds from Surface EMG Signals. Experimental Brain Research. 2023. doi: 10.1007/s00221-023-06694-7
- Pagan JI, Harmon KK, Girts RM, MacLennan RJ, Beausejour JP, Hernandez-Sarabia JA, Coker NA, Carr JC, Ye X, Defreitas JM, Stock MS. Sex-Specific Reliability of Lower Limb Corticospinal Excitability and Silent Periods. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2023. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004525
- Ruple BA, Plotkin D, Smith MA, Godwin JS, Sexton CL, McIntosh MC, Kontos NJ, Beausejour JP, Pagan JI, Rodriguez JP, Sheldon D, Knowles KS, Libardi CA, Young KC, Stock MS, Roberts MD. The Effects of Resistance Training to Near Failure on Strength, Hypertrophy, and Motor Unit Adaptations in Previously Trained Adults. Physiological Reports. 2023. doi: 10.14814/phy2.15679
- Peller A, Garib R, Garbe E, Komforti D, Joffe C, Magras A, Trapuzzano A, Stock MS, Dawson NT. Validity and Reliability of The NIH Toolbox® Standing Balance Test as Compared to the Biodex Balance System SD. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 2023. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2027584
- McCarren G, Chaput M, Grooms DR, Criss CR, Buckley S, Brazalovich P, Yom J, Simon JE. Cognitive Load Influences Drop Jump Landing Mechanics During Cognitive-Motor-Simulated Shooting. Military Medicine. 2023. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usad003
- Grooms DR, Chaput M, Simon JE, Criss CR, Myer GD, Diekfuss JA. Combining Neurocognitive and Functional Tests to Improve Return-to-Sport Decisions Following ACL Reconstruction. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 2023. doi: 2519/jospt.2023.11489
- Farraye BT, Simon JE, Chaput M, Kim H, Monfort SM, Grooms DR. Development and Reliability of a Visual-Cognitive Reactive Triple Hop Test. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2023. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2022-0398
- Bachand R, Bazett-Jones DM, Esculier JF, Fox C, Norte GE, Garcia MC. The Dogma of Running Injuries: Perceptions of Adolescent and Adult Runners. Journal of Athletic Training. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0164.23
- Waiteman M, Garcia M, Briani R, Norte GE, Glaviano NR, Mícolis de Azevedo F, Bazett-Jones DM. Can We Trust Objective Measures of Hip Muscle Strength? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Evidence Gap Map Of 107 Reliability and Validity Studies Using the COSMIN Methodology. Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2023. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2023.12045
- Garcia M, Heiderscheit B, Murray A, Norte GE, Kraus E, Bazett-Jones D. Preferred Temporal-Spatial Parameters, Physical Maturation, and Sex Are Related to Vertical Braking Forces in Adolescent Long-Distance Runners. Sports Biomechanics. 2023. doi: 10.1080/14763141.2023.2218325
- Young KM, Rush JL, Lepley AS, Girmann AM, Norte GE. Intersession Reliability of Quadriceps Corticospinal Excitability: A Functional Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study. Brain Research. 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148348
- Sadeqi S, Norte GE, Murray AM, Erbulut D, Goel V. Effect of Whole-Body Parameters on Knee Joint Biomechanics: Implications for ACL Injury Prevention During Dingle-Leg Landings. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023. doi: 10.1177/03635465231174899
- Sherman DA, Baumeister J, Stock MS, Murray AM, Bazett-Jones DM, Norte GE. Brain Activation and Single-Limb Balance Deficits Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Neuroplasticity and Potential Treatments. Clinical Neurophysiology. 2023 doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.02.175
- Rush JL, Norte GE. Hamstring Fatigue Does Not Improve Quadriceps Function in Individuals with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.02.006
- Kuenze C, Weaver A, Grindstaff TL, Ulman S, Norte GE, Roman DP, Giampetruzzi N, Lisee C, Birchmeier T, Triplett A, Farmer B, Hopper H, Sherman DA, Ness BM, Collins K, Walaszek M, Baez S, Harkey MS, Tulchin-Francis K, Ellis H, Wilson PL, Chang E, Wilcox L, Schorfhaar A, Shingles M, Hart JM. Age-, Sex-, and Graft-specific Reference Values From 783 Adolescent Patients at 5-7 months After ACL Reconstruction: IKDC, PEDI-IKDC, KOOS, ACL-RSI, Single-leg Hop, and Thigh Strength. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 2023. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2023.11389
- Chaltron C, Sherman DA, Pamukoff D, Bazett-Jones DM, Glaviano NR, Norte GE. Whole-Body Vibration Reduces Hamstrings Neuromuscular Function in Uninjured Individuals. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.01.004
- Sherman DA, Baumeister J, Stock MS, Murray AM, Bazett-Jones DM, Norte GE. Weaker Quadriceps Corticomuscular Coherence in Individuals Following ACL Reconstruction During Force Tracing. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2023. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003080
- Sherman DA, Baumeister J, Stock MS, Murray AM, Bazett-Jones DM, Norte GE. Inhibition of response selection motor processes: negative neuroplasticity following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2023. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003072
