Modelling and analysis of the biomechanics and physiology of human movement
We model, analyze and simulate biomechanical (obtained from force platforms or video) and physiological (such as oxygen uptake, heart rate and blood lactate) variables obtained from humans during movement. Our models use coupled ordinary nonlinear differential equations, as well as analytical and numerical tools for both nonlinear time series analysis, signal processing, and the geometric analysis of bifurcation and chaos.
Improvements in the understanding of exercise is of fundamentally importance as exercise is universally recognised as an integral part of preventative medicine due to its effect of reducing the risk of premature mortality. However, our research is not only applicable to exercise but also to such medical topics as diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients (such as cardiac rehabilitation and injury prevention and recovery) and also to areas of robotics (such as greater stability, more human-like movement and safer falling).
Main Collaborators: James Stirling (UAB), Bengt Saltin (Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre)

Stochastic Optimization Algorithms - Applications
During the process of fitting a model to the time series of raw physiological data, numerical optimization methods are applied for the calculation of the optimal values of the parameters of the model.
The optimization methods we use are powerful stochastic optimization algorithms previously successfully applied to the problem of the dynamic compensation of atmospheric turbulence. (Ph.D. , Faculty of Mathematics, Department of Science, Technical University of Crete , Greece, June 2001. Supervisor: Prof. Y. Saridakis.)


Dynamic Animation
  Application of a physically based animation (''Arny'') to simulate biomechanical movements.
              
  For more information about Arny, see V. Ng-Thow-Hing, P. Faloutsos, Dynamic Animation and Control Environment (Dance), version 1.0, University of Toronto, 2000.

Adaptive Optics
  ---Research project PENED 107.527, Greek General Secretariat of Research and Technology
  ''Stochastic automatic system for control and correction of optical astronomical distortions.
  Application to the Tip - Tilt Adaptive Optics System of the Skinakas Astronomical Observatory ''
  Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), University of Crete and Technical University of Crete , 1/2000 - 6/2001.
  ---Research project PENED 1431, Greek General Secretariat of Research and Technology
  ''Adaptive Optics in Astronomy via Stochastic Optimization Algorithms''
  Applied Mathematics and Computers Laboratory, Technical University of Crete , 4/1996 - 9/1997.

Computational Methods
  M.Sc., Faculty of Mathematics, Department of Science, Technical University of Crete , Greece, 9/1993 - 2/1995.
  Supervisors: Prof. Y. Saridakis, Prof. T. Kalogeropoulos.

Cognitive Science - Artificial Intelligence - Neural Networks
  M.Sc., School of Psychology, The University of Birmingham , UK, 9/1997 - 9/1998.
  Supervisor: Dr. Ela Claridge.

Numerical Solution of Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems
  M.Phil., Department of Mathematical Sciences , Loughborough University , UK, 4/1995 - 4/1996.
  Supervisors: Prof. A. S. Fokas, Dr. Giuseppe Gaeta and Prof. S. Kurilev.

Applications of Databases to Archeological Research
  Software application: ''Archeological Electronic Dictionary for Cretan Amphorea'',
  A collaboration between the Faculty of Mathematics, Department of Science, Technical University of Crete and the Archeological Institute of Crete.