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I received my PhD in Biology from York University in 2005 and my MSc in Kinesiology from York University in 1998.
Prior to joining Laurier, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Spinal Cord Research Centre at the University of Manitoba (2005-2008).
As a neuromuscular physiologist and exercise neuroscientist, my broad interests are the neural mechanisms of muscle force production and movement, neural adaptations to muscle use. My NSERC-funded program of research is focused on spinal and cortical motor neuron adaptations to fatigue, task-dependent modulation of motor neuron output, and the role of spinal motor neuron persistent inward currents in human neuromuscular function. Most of my work is conducted using a human model, employing techniques such as surface and intramuscular electromyography, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and percutaneous nerve stimulation to explore mechanisms of plasticity. The long-term objective of my current NSERC grant is to elucidate sex-dependent and task-dependent spinal and cortical contributions to neuromuscular fatigue during functionally-relevant movement. This research is significant because until we understand the central mechanisms that modulate muscle output in healthy people, we cannot fully understand the mechanisms of impaired motor function in injury, aging and disease
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Donald F. Morgenson Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence: Faculty Mentoring Award, April 2020
I am willing to supervise undergraduate and graduate students interested in cortical and spinal adaptations to exercise and neuromuscular fatigue. Members of my XNL (Exercise Neuroscience Lab) team work closely with me to complete research projects that align with my current research objectives. As a part of my team, you will be introduced to human neurophysiological data acquisition and analysis, and develop your critical thinking and scientific communication skills (oral and written). As you'll see on the sign just inside our door, “The mission of this Exercise Neuroscience Lab is to provide a supportive and stimulating environment for scientific education and innovative research”. If you are interested in joining the XNL team, contact me at jkalmar@wlu.ca.
Foley RCA and Kalmar JM. “Estimates of persistent inward current in human motor neurons during postural sway.” J Neurophysiol. 2019; 122(5):2095-2110
Cinelli KTM, Green LA, and Kalmar JM. “On task: Considerations and future directions for studies of corticospinal excitability in exercise neuroscience and related disciplines.” Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2019; 43(11):1113-1121.
Button DC and Kalmar JM. “Understanding exercise-dependent plasticity of motoneurons using intracellular and intramuscular approaches.” Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2019; 44(11):1125-1133.
Kalmar JM. “On task: Considerations and future directions for studies of corticospinal excitability in exercise neuroscience and related disciplines.” Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2018; 43(11): 1113-1121.
Sharples SA, Gould JA, Vandenberk MS, and Kalmar JM. “Cortical mechanisms of central fatigue and sense of effort.” PLoS One. 2016; 11(2): e0149026.
Vandenberk MS, and Kalmar JM. “An evaluation of paired motor unit estimates of persistent inward current in human motoneurons.” J Neurophysiol. 2014; 111(9): 1877-1884.
Sharples SA, Almeida QJ, and Kalmar JM. “Cortical mechanisms of mirror activation during maximal and submaximal finger contractions in Parkinson's disease.” 2014; J Parkinsons Dis. 4(3): 4377-452.
Powers KC, Cinelli ME, Kalmar JM. “Cortical hypoexcitability persists beyond the symptomatic phase of a concussion.” Brain Inj. 2014; 28(4):465-71.
Vandenberk MS, Kalmar JM. “An evaluation of paired motor unit estimates of persistent inward current in human motoneurons.” J Neurophysiol. 2014 May;111(9):1877-84.
Powers KC, Kalmar JM, Cinelli ME. “Recovery of static stability following a concussion.” Gait Posture. 2014;39(1):611-4.
Sharples SA, Kalmar JM. “Modulation of cortical excitability and interhemispheric inhibition prior to rhythmic unimanual contractions.” J Neurosci Methods. 2012 Sep 30;210(2):178-86.
Kalmar JM, Button DC, Gardiner K, Cahill F, Gardiner PF. “Caloric restriction does not offset age-associated changes in the biophysical properties of motoneurons.” J Neurophysiol. 2009 Feb;101(2):548-57.
Button DC, Kalmar JM, Gardiner K, Marqueste T, Zhong H, Roy RR, Edgerton VR, Gardiner PF. “Does elimination of afferent input modify the changes in rat motoneurone properties that occur following chronic spinal cord transection?” J Physiol. 2008 Jan 15;586(2):529-44.
Button DC, Kalmar JM, Gardiner K, Cahill F, Gardiner PF. “Spike frequency adaptation of rat hindlimb motoneurons.” J Appl Physiol (1985). 2007 Mar;102(3):1041-50.in Parkinson's disease.” 2014; J Parkinsons Dis. 4(3): 4377-452.
KP222 - Human Physiology
KP425 - Neuromuscular Function in Exercise
KP472 - Athletic Injuries
KP425 - Neuromuscular Function in Exercise
KP472 - Athletic Injuries
Contact Info:
T: 548.889.3744 (Office), 519.884.0710 x3334 (Lab)
Office location: BA508 (Office) , NC113 (Lab)
Office hours: By Appointment.
Languages spoken: English