Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy
Open Access
ISSN: 2157-7595
ISSN: 2157-7595
Alessander Danna-dos-Santos
School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science University of Montana
Dr. Alessander Danna-dos-Santos is a Brazilian trained physical therapist who has completed his PhD in human motor control at the age of 33 years from The Penn State University and postdoctoral studies from Arizona State University School of Kinesiology. He is the co-director of the Motor Control Laboratory and director of the Anatomy Laboratory of the School of Physical Therapy of the University of Montana. He has published in reputed journals such the Journal of Neurophysiology and Experimental Brain Research and his studies are applicable to both areas of basic and clinical sciences.
The focus of my research agenda is to investigate the effects of aging and neurodegenerative conditions (Parkinson’s, Peripheral Neuropathy) to the generation multi-muscle synergies and distribution of neural commands from the central nervous system (CNS) to skeletal muscles that are responsible for the control of vertical posture. This expertise is used clinically to assess the ability of an individual to coordinate muscles to a sufficient degree to prevent falls and fall-related injuries in specific populations (elderly, Parkinson’s patients, and Native Americans suffering of peripheral polyneuropathy, survivors of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and stroke (CVAs).