Prof. Jan Wilke researches fasciae

Prof. Dr. Jan Wilke completed his studies in Göttingen and Granada (Spain) before completing his doctorates in theoretical medicine and sports science in Frankfurt. Wilke also completed his habilitation in Frankfurt. He regularly works with athletes from elite sports and combines this practical experience with his scientific background in Bayreuth. Previously, Wilke was Professor of Sports Science at the University of Klagenfurt, where he currently also holds the Chair of Human Movement Science.

“It is important to me that students not only apply biomechanical methods, but also understand why they are important in practice,” says Prof. Wilke. He also tries to link the practical sports exercises, which are the reason many students start studying sports, more closely with theory. In addition to teaching, he would like to bring science into dialog with practice through the regularly held Exercise & Training Convention (EXTRA). Here, theoretical lectures are combined with “hands-on” workshops to pick up on the latest trends in sports science.

Wilke's research focuses on the interaction of movement and cognition as well as the role of artificial intelligence in training and the importance of fasciae - the connective tissue that surrounds the muscles. For example, he is investigating whether back pain and sore muscles are perhaps due to the fascia rather than the muscles. Prof. Wilke pursues an “open door policy” for contact with students. “I want the students to know that they can reach me easily and that I am happy to enter into a dialog with them.”