The Future of Science is Here: What Dr. Kurz Revealed at Nebraska’s State-Wide Science Event

On Tuesday, April 2nd, Dr. Max Kurz, the director of the PoWER Lab at IHN, shared his research and findings with over 130 community members crowded together at The Slowdown – a local bar and venue in downtown Omaha. The presentation was in partnership with the Nebraska Science Festival and Science Café, with both programs aiming to bring science and its experts to the public in an approachable setting.

Low Down at the Slowdown

Dr. Kurz’s research combines neuroscience and biomechanics and focuses on exploring brain functions such as:

- processing sensory information like touch and sight

- producing motor actions for walking or balancing

- adjusting motor actions when the environment isn’t what we expect, like when you catch your foot or get bumped

- optimizing motor skills like walking up stairs, or accurately placing your feet on a series of stepping stones

He shared about the partnership his lab has formed with individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) to better advocate for and support them through research. In the United States alone, there are an estimated +764,000 people with CP. Three of the major challenges these individuals face are:

1) mobility - cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that disrupts the brain’s ability to control movement and muscle coordination for walking and balance

2) access to mobility - transportation services, ramps, proximity between a car and building, automatic doors, etc.

3) limited resources and evidence for the current therapeutic approaches

It is in response to these limitations that Dr. Kurz and colleagues at the Center for Human Performance Optimization pursue their cutting-edge research with state-of-the-art neuroimaging and physical therapy equipment.

Diving into the Data

Dr. Kurz held the audience captivated as he described his research. He found that individualized physical therapy three times/week for eight weeks impacted the neural pathways that serve the mobility of individuals with CP. They found that after physical therapy, these individuals got better at:

- movement control

- movement planning

- sensory processing

- balance

Dr. Kurz attributed these improvements to neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to change, reorganize, and grow new neuropathways because of new experiences. Through their unique physical therapy regimen, participants formed and utilized the new neural connections for improved mobility and sensory processing.

Concluding his presentation, Dr. Kurz encouraged audience members to consider their own access to mobility and advocate for those that have limited access to resources. He also emphasized how important it is to capitalize on new experiences and opportunities, as it promotes neuroplasticity and ultimately brain health.

If you are interested in reading more about Dr. Kurz’s work, check out his PUBLICATION page.

If you are interested in learning more about participating in research like what Dr. Kurz and the POWER lab does, visit our PARTICIPATE page.