Leader: Prof. Jacek Wilczyński, PhD, DSc
Affiliation: Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce
Research Area
Disorders of postural balance, sensory integration, and autonomic nervous system function are increasingly recognized as key risk factors in the development of neurodevelopmental disorders, learning difficulties in children, as well as co-occurring mechanisms in neurological, psychosomatic, and lifestyle-related diseases. Modern science provides tools for the objective assessment of these functions and their interrelations—ranging from balance platforms and EMG to heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and interpretations grounded in the polyvagal theory.
At Collegium Medicum UJK, advanced research is conducted on the interactions between muscle tone, autonomic nervous system activity, static and dynamic balance, and the occurrence of postural defects, developmental disorders, and adaptive difficulties in both children and adults. A scientific approach to sensory integration, supported by analyses of physiology and neuroregulation, enables the development of new, holistic models for postural and balance function assessment.
Leader Profile and Achievements
Prof. Jacek Wilczyński is one of Poland’s leading researchers in sensory integration, balance regulation, and postural diagnostics. He is the creator of original diagnostic concepts based on muscle tone analysis, heart rate variability, vestibular and visual balance, and their connections to nervous system typology and human adaptive capacity.
Of particular note are the assessment models he developed, based on neurophysiological adaptive responses, and his application of the polyvagal theory to analyze autonomic dysregulation. These studies have both cognitive and clinical value—especially in working with children with complex neurodevelopmental challenges.
Under Prof. Wilczyński’s leadership, a research environment has been developed that enables comprehensive assessments using stabilometric platforms (Biodex, ProKin, Framiral), EMG systems (Noraxon), EEG tools, and HRV analysis. He collaborates with teams in neurology, pediatric physiotherapy, speech therapy, and clinical psychology.
His scientific achievements include numerous publications combining clinical and theoretical perspectives, as well as textbooks and diagnostic/therapeutic standards used in practice. Prof. Wilczyński is also actively involved in educational and expert activities related to implementing early diagnostic systems for sensory integration disorders in educational and therapeutic settings.
Preferred Forms of Collaboration
The team led by Prof. Wilczyński is open to research and implementation cooperation in projects focused on:
- studying the relationships between balance, muscle tone, HRV, and vestibular function,
- developing diagnostic tools for early detection of sensory integration disorders,
- implementing neuroregulatory theories (including the polyvagal theory) in clinical practice,
- creating multidimensional models for neurophysiological profiling in children and adults.
Collegium Medicum UJK offers access to comprehensive diagnostic facilities, extensive clinical and methodological experience, and readiness to participate in interdisciplinary research and application consortia. This area is particularly important in the context of pediatric populations and the growing need for early diagnostics and prevention of neurodevelopmental disorders.