Martin Björklund

Research interest

My research covers two areas of interest. One is about work-related musculoskeletal disorders, primarily from the neck-shoulder region. The second area includes children and adolecents with cerebral palsy, linked to physical activity, physiotherapy and quality of life.

Long-term musculoskeletal pain often results in impaired functional ability for the sufferer. Studies show that functions regulating muscle activity and coordination of movements, so-called sensorimotor functions, often deviate in this patient group. We are interested in developing sensorimotor function tests and investigating their connection to symptoms and functional ability. Furthermore, we want to improve individualized rehabilitation and prevention for the target group, especially those with neck and shoulder problems. We have also developed an equipment (Swedish patent SE # 530879) and method to train the movement control of the neck with. In addition, we have constructed and validated questionnaires for the assessment of symptoms and function in people with back and neck pain. The above research area is done in collaboration with the Center for Musculoskeletal Research at the University of Gävle, to which I am affiliated. I am also part of Charlotte Häger's research group in projects around movement-related fear in individuals with knee ligament damage and the development of potential biomarkers for this with the help of, among other things. electroencephalography.

The overall aim of our research is to contribute to an effective prevention of load-related long-term musculoskeletal disorders. If we can increase the knowledge of sensorimotor dysfunctions and how they affect the individual, we have a greater chance of developing more effective individual adaptation of rehabilitation for long-term musculoskeletal pain. Through better knowledge of who needs which measures, there are also possibilities that less extensive measures may yield good results.

The second research area with targeting children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) includes a project with registry, survey and interview studies. Research shows that this group has poorer health and quality of life compared to young people without disabilities, but there is a lack of knowledge about the importance of factors such as gender, country of birth and socio-economic status within the group of children and young people with CP. This knowledge is needed to improve health and quality of life for the group and reach the goal of equal living conditions for all.

Of particular focus in this project is to investigate which factors affect participation in physical activity, physiotherapy and physical education, whether participation is equally distributed from a gender perspective regarding sex, country of birth, region of residence and degree of disability, and how participation affects the quality of life of young people with CP.