Dr Raymond Reynolds BSc, MSc, PhD

Office hours are Monday 2-4, although it is best to book an appointment in advance.

• B.Sc. Animal Physiology (University of Reading)
• M.Sc. Neuroscience (University College London)
• Ph.D.  Gait adaptation and after-effects (Imperial College London)

After completing a PhD investigating postural adaptation Dr Reynolds spent 4 years at the Institute of Neurology with Professor Brian Day examining sensory guidance of limb trajectory. He joined the department in October 2007.

Dr Reynolds currently delivers a third year module entitled Techniques in Neuroscience. This covers a range of methods including brain imaging and neural stimulation.He also contributes to the 2nd yr course, Sensation & Movement in addition to delivering a 2nd yr motor control lab, and providing a one day Masterclass for the BBSRC MIBTP programme. He previously taught musculo-skeletal anatomy.

Dr Reynolds currently supervises three PhD students. Enquiries from prospective candidates are welcome at any time.

Research themes

Vestibular control of posture - How does the brain transform vestibular signals into appropriate responses for balance? Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation induces a sense of head movement. The resulting sway response reveals mechanisms underlying sensorimotor control of standing. This theme is covered on a recent Inside Science interview on BBC Radio 4: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04009cd. Daily Mail Article on ageing balance: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2239369/The-OAPs-undergoing-rigorous-jet-pilot-testing-elderly-suffer-falls.html

Tremor - Fourier and wavelet methods are used to examine the relationship between muscle activity and hand movement during static postures. This can distinguish between neural and mechanical origins of physiological tremor.

Neural basis of online visual control of movement - Target jump paradigms reveal the neural mechanisms underlying online control of reaching and stepping, both in healthy individuals and stroke patients.

Funding (as PI)

European Space Agency/BBSRC - Effect of prolonged inactivity on vestibular control of balance (£29k; 2014-15)

BBSRC - BB/L02103X/1 - The sensory role of muscle for the control of balance (£321k; 2014-17)

MRC-ARUK - PhD Scholarship (2014-17) - Vestibular function in high-risk fallers

BBSRC MIBTP - PhD Scholarship (2012-16) - Sensory guidance of the upper limb

BBSRC NI Award- BB/100579X/1 - The effect of ageing on vestibular control of balance (£198k; 2011-13)

BBSRC Industry Exchange Award - Establishment of a human sensory testing facility at The University of Birmingham (£25k; 2012-13)

Member of Postgraduate research & Health & Safety committees.

Theme lead for Movement Rehabilitiation.