The Motor Behavior Laboratories is comprised of five laboratories (Coordination Dynamics Laboratory, Motor Development Laboratory, Motor Control Laboratory, and Motor Learning/Control Laboratory) that are directed by Dr. John Buchanan, Dr. Carl Gabbard, Dr. Charles Shea, and Dr. David Wright.

Studies developed and undertaken in the Coordination Dynamics Laboratory focus on identifying the perception-action processes that underlie the control and learning of multi-joint limb movements.  

The Motor Development Laboratory is involved in inquiry related to motor behavior from a developmental perspective.  The aim of the Motor Control Laboratory is to understand how the central nervous system controls and regulates coordinated movement in healthy individuals and in those with neurological disease and/or brain injury.  Of special interest in how coordination of upper extremity movements is influenced by the normal aging and neurological impairments such as Parkinson's disease and Stroke. 

The Motor Learning/Control Laboratory studies the theoretical processes of the performance and learning of motor skills and the practical application of this knowledge to biotechnology.  Topics including those related to memory, anticipation, coordination, timing, and movement efficiency are studied.  Current projects include development of physiological control systems (eye tracking and electromyography) for application in industrial, military, medical, rehabilitative, and manned space flight settings.

Faculty currently involved with the Motor Behavior Laboratories are:

Dr. John Buchanan, Assistant Professor

Dr. Carl Gabbard, Professor

Dr. Charles Shea, Professor

Dr. David Wright, Professor and Division Chair