Neuromuscular Physiology of Human Movement Laboratory
Our Mission
The Neuromuscular Physiology of Human Movement Laboratory conducts studies to understand the mechanisms for 1) neuromuscular fatigue and muscle function with aging, and in clinical populations such as diabetes and COVID-19 survivors, 2) the protective effects of exercise training in healthy and clinical populations, and 3) the sex differences in athletic performance.
By integrating cutting-edge technology and methodologies, our research aims to inform evidence-based approaches to training, rehabilitation, and health promotion across diverse populations.
Laboratory Director
Sandra Hunter, PhD, FACSM
Sandra Hunter, PhD is the Francie Kraker Goodridge Collegiate Professor of Kinesiology and Chair of Movement Science in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Dr. Hunter earned her PhD in Exercise Physiology at the University of Sydney, Australia and subsequently completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Colorado Boulder under the mentorship of Dr. Roger Enoka. Prior to joining the University of Michigan in 2024, Dr. Hunter served as faculty at Marquette University for 21 years.
Since 2004, she has consistently secured federal research funding and is currently the Principal Investigator on multiple R01 grants from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Her current NIA funded research focuses on the physiological mechanisms underlying muscle fatigue associated with aging and metabolic conditions such as prediabetes and diabetes, as well as the protective effects of strength training.
As an internationally recognized leader in the field of neuromuscular physiology, Dr. Hunter investigates human movement across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on age- and sex-related differences in athletic performance. She has authored more than 170 peer-reviewed publications and was recognized in both 2023 and 2024 as being among the top 2% of the world’s most highly cited scientists. Dr. Hunter also serves on the editorial boards of several high-impact journals, including her role as Associate Editor of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise and as Editor-in-Chief of Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews.