PhD studentship : Development of physiologically-informed machine learning algorithms for identification of muscle synergies during static and dynamic motor tasks

Closing Date

31 May 2018

Address

University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

Project Description

The aim of this project is to elucidate how the human brain and spinal cord interact with the musculoskeletal system to generate upper-limb movement. The post-holder will develop a mathematical modelling framework to analyse neurophysiological (electromyography – EMG) and behavioural signals (kinematics - kinetics) recorded while human subjects performs a variety of postural and dynamic tasks. The analysis framework will be based on our past work on the extraction of muscle synergies from EMG signals but will also be informed by our recent findings on the physiological properties of the intermuscular and corticospinal pathways involved in motor control. 
The project will consist of two stages. During the first stage, the post-holder will first extend the current muscle synergy framework to consider the spectral properties of EMG signals and assess their role in motor coordination. This will lead to the development of new machine learning algorithms for muscle synergy extraction. Second, the new algorithms will be applied to EMG recordings from the upper limb during static motor tasks to probe muscle covariations in the frequency domain. This analysis will provide novel insights about the neural motor drives that activate the upper limb muscles and will investigate whether the muscle input is primarily shared or specific to each muscle. 
During the second stage, the above framework will be applied to EMG recordings from more complex dynamic motor tasks to assess whether the neural basis of motor coordination underlying static tasks can predict muscle activation patterns during dynamic movement. The goal is to provide a compact yet accurate and complete characterization of upper limb neuro-muscular patterns of activity that will serve as a benchmark for healthy upper limb movement and against which clinical populations can be tested. Moreover, the identified patterns of muscle activity could be used to drive neuro-prosthetic devices that will be able to effectively move artificial limbs or robotic rehabilitation devices aiming to restore proper motor function. 

Requirements: The ideal candidate will have an interest in some of the areas: Recording and analysis of EMG and kinematic signals, design of complex behavioural experiments/tasks, biomedical signal processing, machine learning, signal detection and estimation theory, statistical pattern recognition, information theory. A degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Neurophysiology is preferred. No extensive previous experience in the above topics is required but an interest in mathematical logic and programming experience (Matlab and/or Python) will be useful. Should have a strong propensity for interdisciplinary research and a keen interest in understanding how the brain controls movement 

Funding Notes

Project is eligible for funding under the BBSRC White Rose DTP: Doctoral Studentships in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Driven Economy. 

Successful candidates will receive funding for 4 years, covering UK/EU fees and research council stipend (£14,777 for 2018-19). 

Candidates should have, or be expecting, a 2.1 or above at undergraduate level in a relevant field. If English is not your first language, you will also be required to meet our language entry requirements. The PhD is to start in Oct 2018. 
Include project title and supervisor name, and upload a CV and transcripts. 

To apply for this position please visit http://www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/postgraduate/phdopportunities.php