Our goal is to gain fundamental
insight into human movement and to resolve clinical problems. We pose
and answer questions that apply to many areas along the spectrum from
basic biological sciences to specific clinical problems related to
cerebral palsy, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and osteoarthritis.
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Movement
Dynamics
Many elements of the neuromusculoskeletal system interact to enable
smooth, coordinated movement. Scientists have performed an extensive
range of studies to describe these elements. Our goal is to synthesize
these detailed descriptions of the components of the neuromusculoskeletal
system to create an integrated understanding of normal movement. |
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Movement
Abnormalities
We are using subject-specific musculoskeletal modeling, dynamic simulations,
and medical imaging to help explain the biomechanical causes of movement
abnormalities and predict the functional consequences of surgical
interventions. Our goal is to establish a scientific basis for treating
movement abnormalities. |
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Surgical
Simulation
Graphics-based simulations have been used to gain insight into the functional
consequences of surgery and serve as the basis for surgical design.
We have developed simulations of muscle-tendon lengthenings, tendon
transfers, bone reconstructions, and joint replacements. |
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Patellofemoral
Pain
We are using a combination of experimental and computational techniques
to identify the causes of patellofemoral pain, one of the most common
disorders of the knee. The goal of this research is to provide a scientific
basis for the assessment and treatment of patellofemoral pain. |
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Muscle
Mechanics, Form, and Function
By integrating anatomical measurements, imaging techniques, and computational
modeling, we are answering basic questions about the relationships between
muscle mechanics, form, and function. |
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Surgical
Navigation
We are creating and evaluating computer-integrated instrumentation
that incorporates highly accurate measurement devices to locate joint
centers, track surgical tools, and align prosthetic components. |
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Myosin
Structure, Function, and Dynamics
We are developing a modeling framework to examine the function of
molecular motors – proteins that provide the engine for all motion
in the body. We are currently developing a computer graphics-based
model of Myosin V that will provide the first clear picture of this
molecular motor in action and help answer questions regarding the
motor's function. |
