Research profile

How does physical activity influence the human brain and how does the brain control physical activity? Vera Abelns´ research focuses on neurophysiological correlates of movement and exercise interventions. She examines the effect of sedentary as well as active lifestyle (training interventions) on the brain and accompanying psychophysical processes within the human body. Moreover, she studies the influence of missing or increased gravity conditions during parabolic flights and human-centrifuge runs, as well as the effects of limited physical activity during isolation and confinement (space travel, isolation studies) within the area of space research. It is her aim to investigate how physical activity can be used in order to improve psychophysical performance, mood, and overall health and wellbeing not only for astronauts, but also for various pools of our population (elderly, children, physical or cognitive impaired people a. o.).