Research
Aims and objectives
We develop and apply innovative techniques to answer fundamental and applied questions relating to the evolution, structure, control and constraints of locomotion and movement.
This involves:
Identification of physiological and biomechanical mechanisms- Understanding of the importance of these:
- from the cellular level to the whole organism to the group level
- under circumstances of both fitness and dysfunction
- Studies of the physiology and mechanics of humans and other animals which have evolved different locomotor and athletic functions
- Investigation of how animals (including humans):
- adapt to musculoskeletal injury
- respond to treatment
Facilities
Our locomotion laboratory is one of the largest and best equipped anywhere in the world. Through the generous support of our funding bodies and a 
range of suppliers we have large and small animal treadmills, multi-camera high speed video, cine x-ray and motion analysis systems, large and small animal force plate arrays. We have a specialist muscle mechanics lab and mechanical and electronics workshops for adaptation and development of new equipment.
Funding
Much of the work we undertake is funded through research grants, which are awarded through a peer-reviewed competitive application process. In today’s highly competitive research market, the SML is proud to have won funding from a range of Research Councils, Trusts, charitable bodies and other organisations. We acknowledge the generous support of all our funders, including the BBSRC, DEFRA, EPSRC, NERC, the Home of Rest for Horses, the Horserace Betting Levy Board,The Royal Society and the Wellcome Trust, together with industrial partners, commercial companies and other sources.
Research stories
Modern Riding Style Improves Horse Racing Times
Paper published in Science — 16 July 2009
SML have solved a century old puzzle — how jockeys can help horses run faster
What makes cheetahs the fastest animal?
Interview on BBC "Today" programme
—10 July 2009
The SML team have been using high-speed cameras and force plates to analyse the movement of this, the fastest cat in the world.
See the story and video on the BBC website
Recent Publications
Pfau, T., Spence, A., Starke, S., Ferrari, M. and Wilson, A.M. (2009). Modern riding style improves horse racing times. Science. 325 no 5938, p 289. DOI: 10.1126/science.1174605
Williams, S.B., Tan, H., Usherwood, J.R. and Wilson, A.M. (2009). Pitch then power: limitations to acceleration in quadrupeds. Biology Letters. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2009.0360.
—View movie and supplementary info