Lab Director: Thomas Abelew, Ph.D
 
The Human Biomechanics Laboratory is dedicated to the biomechanical analysis of human movement. Investigations involving normal motion as well as the compensations made following neuromuscular loss to gain insight into the control of normal motion are ongoing. The lab is equipped with Qualisys and Optotrak motion analysis systems, Konigsberg 16 channel telemetered EMG system, Kistler force plate, electrogoniometers and computers for data analysis.
 
Current projects are examining the contributions made by individual lower extremity muscles during turning, 3D moments produced by individual lower extremity muscles under isometric conditions and the relationship between foot and ankle mechanics and the changes in gait pattern that result from clinical interventions following impairment of the foot and ankle.

Dr. Marie Johanson

Dr. Johanson's research focus is on the relationship between lower extremity impairments (e.g. limited ankle dorsiflexion, excessive pronation) and gait kinetic/kinematics and the effect of physical therapist interventions on lower extremity impairments (e.g. therapeutic exercise, heel lifts, foot orthotics) and gait kinetic/kinematics.

Dr. Vijaya Krishnamoorthy

Dr. Krishnamoorthy is interested in the biomechanics and motor control of posture and locomotion. She has been studying the organization of muscle and joint synergies in postural tasks. She has also been involved in the study of novel gait retraining techniques in stroke survivors. She is currently interested in studying the effect of age and neurological dysfunction on muscle synergies during walking and examining if altered patterns of muscle coordination in elderly individuals puts them at a risk for falls.  

Top of Page: