Engineering and Biomechanics Research Lab
The lab participates in collaborative research in the fields of motor control, biomechanics and human performance. Collaborations include members of the schools of medicine, engineering and nursing, in addition to outside institutions.
About the Lab
Development of a Robotic Gait Trainer
Cost effective gait trainer targeted for use in a hemi-paretic stroke population.
Development of a Prone Progression Crawler
Robotic trainer to assist quadraped ambulation in children with movement disorders and who are visually impaired
Visual Feedback Phase Delays
Investigating the impact of visual feedback phase delays during balance tasks
Ankle Sprain Prediction
Development of a fatigue monitor to predict performance changes in athletes
EMG / man-machine interface
Development of improved prosthetic controls
Navigational aids for the blind
Developing navigational aids for the blind population for use in open environments
In the News
Director
Collaborators
- Susan V. Duff, EdD, PT, OT/L, CHT, Associate Professor in the Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Chapman University, CA.
- Stacey Dusing, PhD, PT, PCS, Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA.
- Robbie O'Shea, PT, PhD – Professor, Governors State University, IL.
- James S. Thomas, PT, PhD, Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences, James Thomas, PT, PhD – Ohio University, OH.
- Dianne T.V. Pawluk, PhD – Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA.
Graduates
- Britlin O’Shea (MS - BME), 2017 - “Eye movement control: An index for athleticism”
- Daniel Shull (MS - BME), 2016 - “Altering a Runner’s Foot strike using a Modified Elliptical Trainer”
- Trisha Massenzo (PhD - BME), 2016 - “An Investigation of Kinetic Visual Biofeedback on Dynamic Stance Symmetry”
- Joshua Arenas (MS - BME), 2015 - “Evaluation of a Novel Myoelectric Training Device”
- Lindsay Clayton (MS - BME), 2015 - “The Effects of Fatigue on Lower Extremity Kinetics and Kinematics in Subjects with Known Ankle Instability”
- Timothy G Coffey (PhD - REMS), 2015 - "Effects of task and gender or lower extremity mechanics" - Currently: Assistant Professor, Longwood University
- Richard Nuchols (MS - BME), 2013 - “Development of a velocity measuring visual assist haptic display for the blind”
- Ryan Clingman (MS - BME), 2012 - “Evaluation of a Novel Myoelectric Training Device” - Currently: Product Development Engineer at Terumo Cardiovascular Systems
- Jeff Frankart (MS - BME), 2012 - “Development of a Closed-Loop Force Reduction Mechanism in a Gait Rehabilitation Device” - Currently: Test Engineer for QubicaAMF
- Cortney Bradford (PhD - REMS), 2011 - “Is gait training with the elliptically based robotic gait trainer (EBRGT) feasible in ambulatory patients after stroke?” - Currently: Scientist, Army Research Lab, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
- Kristen Morgan (MS - BME), 2009 - “Use of a Tri-axial accelerometer to detect changes in landing performance associated with fatigue”
- Harshad Hegde (MS - BME), 2009 - “Visual and vestibular differences in elite athletes” - Currently: Informatics Research Architect at Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation
- Emily Carney (MS - BME), 2009 - “Evaluation of the instantaneous axis or rotation of the tibiofemoral joint with and without pathology”
- Laura Maple (MS - BME), 2009 - “Evaluation of the effect of Botox on the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome”
- Evie Burnet (PhD - REMS), 2008 - “Frontal plane pelvic drop in runners: causes and clinical implications” - Currently: Lecturer, Kinesiology and Health Sciences, William and Mary University
- Dyer Deihl (PhD - Anatomy), 2007 - “The role of the vestibulo-ocular reflex in balance recovery: changes associated with age” - Currently: Associate Professor, Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis
- Craig Hoovler (MS - BME), 2006 - “The effect of phase delayed visual feedback on balance” - Currently: Associate at Miles & Stockbridge, PC
- Cortney Bradford (MS - BME), 2005 - “Mechanical energy estimates on a modified elliptical trainer”
- David Reese (MS - BME), 2003 - “Development of modified elliptical trainer for efficient lower-limb stroke rehabilitation” - Currently: Associate Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
- Mike Madigan (PhD - BME), 2000 - “Biomechanical effects of fatigue during an abrupt change in direction” - Currently: Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University