Biomechanics and Ergonomics

Biomechanics and Ergonomics Research

Faculty Members

David Andrews	Nadia Azar	Joel Cort	Wayne Marino

Research Interests

Biomechanics and ergonomics research that is currently being conducted in the Department of Kinesiology includes work in the following areas:

Dr. David Andrews

• Evaluation of soft and rigid tissue effects on force transmission through the body following impact
• Quantifying shock wave propagation through the extremities
• Mechanisms of upper extremity injury resulting from falling
• Wobbling mass modeling
• Soft and rigid tissue mass prediction using surface anthropometry and DXA
• Development and evaluation of workplace physical demands assessment methods
• Quantifying cumulative low back loads in work and non-work populations
• Ergonomics evaluations in workplace populations (nursing, agriculture, automotive)

Dr. Nadia Azar

• Ligamento-muscular reflexes
• Occupational and whiplash-associated neck pain
  • Increase understanding of potential pain mechanisms
  • Enhance diagnostic capabilities
  • Augment the effectiveness of currently-available therapeutic interventions

Dr. Joel Cort

• Quantification of mechanical joint stabilization
• Neuromuscular (reflex) contribution to knee and lumbar spine joint robustness/integrity during motion
• Development of workplace task Threshold Limit Values (TLV) to reduce workplace musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD)
• Knee, lumbar & cervical spine joint biomechanical model development
• Virtual human ergonomic modeling development and validation

Dr. Wayne Marino

• Sport Biomechanics
• Mechanics of skating and hockey skills
• Assessment of hockey stick performance and safety