Our research process focuses on real world tasks performed under stressful conditions. Our aim here is to understand what the performer does in order to accomplish a task.

Figure: When we study goal directed movements, we think about the accuracy, speed, and mechanical loading consequences of each task when performed in a particular context.

Currently the Biomechanics Research Lab is focusing its research on the following areas:

Golf
Soccer
Volleyball (Jump, Land, Quick first step)
Gymnastics/Diving(Tumbling, Vaulting, Landing)
Sprinting, Prosthetic
Long Jump, Hurdles
Shot Put, Javelin
Parachute Landings
Wheelchair Propulsion
Sit-to Stand (Osteoarthritis)
Music Performance(Cello, Trumpet)
Dance
Dental Hygiene
Assistive Interactive Robotics

This phase of our biomechanics research, Model, involves concentrating on how the performer interacts with the environment to perform the task:

Figure: Human movement reflects the ongoing interaction between the control system (neuromuscular system), the dynamic system (musculoskeletal system), and the environment.

The Model leading to Solutions phase of our biomechanics research involves the following steps:

– Integrate Experimental Results into Models of the Control System and Musculoskeletal Dynamics to Understand Why and ask What if?
– Simulation Studies to Identify Feasible Solutions for Individuals

Figures Above: We use kinematic data to animate 3D movements and visually represent the musculoskeletal system as segments or bones (Poser, Visual3D). Experimentally validated dynamic models (ADAMS) are used to analyze the interrelationship between control and dynamics.

STS Figure: We use experimental electromyographic and kinematic data as well as subject specific musculoskeletal models (SIMMS) to determine which muscles contribute to the net joint moments required to perform the task.
We also use models of muscle tendon units and dynamic models of the musucloskeletal system (ADAMS) to assess internal loading consequences of subject specific muscle activation patterns.

Our main goal in this stage of the biomechanics research process is to modify performance using feedback during skill acquisition to facilitate learning.

Figure: We use real time feedback to help the performer and the trainer understand the external forces (reaction forces) and internal forces (muscle forces) that are needed to perform complex goal directed tasks.