Biomechanics and Ergonomics Research

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 [2]

• 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 [3]

• Physical demands of playing the drums:
  • Drummers as athletes
  • Drummers as workers
    • Documenting the prevalence and patterns of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) in drummers
    • Determining the playing-related and lifestyle characteristics that put drummers at risk for, or protect them from, PRMDs

Dr. Joel Cort [4]

• 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. Francesco Biondi  [5]

• Workload assessment in human-machine interaction.
• Driver interaction with in-vehicle interfaces.
• User interaction with automated systems.
• Cognitive Ergonomics
• Human Factors
• User Interaction with Automotive Technology,
• User Centered Design