Associate Professor
E-mail: azar5@uwindsor.ca
Phone: (519) 253-3000 ext: 2473
Office: HK Building, Room 111
Biomechanics, Human Factors & Ergonomics
MS, Wayne State University, Biomedical Engineering
MHK, University of Windsor, Occupational Biomechanics
BHK, University of Windsor, Movement Science
Bio
My primary background and research training are in occupational biomechanics and biomedical engineering (with concentrations in biomechanics and neurophysiology). The choice of which research area to specialize in was a difficult one for me, because I am interested in so many different subjects! The research process is fascinating to me, regardless of the specific questions under investigation. As a result, most of my projects have integrated theory from multiple disciplines within kinesiology, and often from biology and engineering.
My current research has me combining my roots in occupational biomechanics and neurophysiology with my love of music (especially rock music) to study drummers. The drum set is arguably the most physically intense instrument to play, which leads to lots of interesting questions about drummers' athleticism, performance, and injuries. My current projects examine the biomechanics and ergonomics of drumming performance from the following perspectives:
Drummers as athletes
- Documenting drummers’ energy expenditure and heart rate during live performances.
- Examining professional drummers’ engagement in athletic performance related behaviours (e.g., physical preparation for touring and maintenance while out on tour, pre/post-show warm-up/cool-down routines).
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.
My overall goal is to do for drummers what sport science is doing for athletes: I want to help them achieve their peak performance while reducing their risk of injuries. This work has been featured on CBC Radio, Drum Talk TV, and the Drumeo Beat.
Students interested in getting involved in these projects can email me for information about volunteer/internship opportunities and graduate supervision (azar5@uwindsor.ca).
Recent Publications
Underlined names indicate student co-authors
**For individual DRUMMER Lab participant results, please see Dr. Azar's social media (FB, Instagram, Twitter:@Dr.NadiaAzar).
Azar NR, Zvric A, Mallat B, Horton S. A survey of ergonomics education opportunities available to dental hygienists in Ontario. Ergonomics, under review.
Bested S, Carr K, Sutherland CA, Horton S, Azar NR. Improving motor control in adults with autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability: Preliminary results from an adapted physical exercise intervention. Journal on Developmental Disabilities, under review.
Azar NR. Prevalence and patterns of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders in drummers. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, inpress.
Azar NR, 2019-2020. The Drummer Lab. Section of the Drumeo website dedicated to drummer energy expenditure study results.
Azar NR, 2019. How to deal with tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Drumeo Beat Health Centre [online, published September 2019].
Azar NR, 2019. The most common drumming injuries. The Drumeo Beat Health Centre [online, published August 2019].
Azar NR, 2019. The ergonomics of drumming injuries: Ten ways to reduce injury risk. 21st Century Drummer Health & Lifestyle Magazine, Volume 2 (June), pages 14-16.
Ali SH, Sutherland CA, Horton S, Azar NR, 2018. The effects of aerobic exercise on repetitive behaviours and task performance for adults with autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability. Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 30(4), 323-373.
Ali SH, Sutherland CA, Azar NR, Horton S, 2018. Understanding repetitive behaviours and the use of exercise as an intervention for Adults with autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability. Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 30(2), 151-179.
McAllister RJ, Carr K, Sutherland CA, Azar NR, Horton S, 2018. BRIEF REPORT: Bystander perceptions of an exercise program for adults with autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability within a university setting. Journal on Developmental Disabilities 23(2), 50-54.
Azar NR, McKeen P, Carr K, Sutherland CA, Horton S, 2016. Impact of motor skills training in adults with autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability. Journal on Developmental Disabilities 22(1), 28-38.
Carr K, McKeen P, Daabous J, Azar NR, Horton S, Sutherland CA, 2015. Reliability of four subtests of the Jebsen Test of Hand Function among adults with autism and an intellectual disability. Journal on Developmental Disabilities 21(1), 52-60.
Recent Research Funding
- University of Windsor Women's Grant (2019-2020)
- Mitacs-Accelerate Graduate Research Internship (2018)
- Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant with Community Living Essex County (2016-2019)
- Southern Network of Specialized Care (2016)
- Mitacs-Accelerate Graduate Research Internship (2015)
- Canada Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund – Funding for research infrastructure / Fonds des leaders John-R.-Evans – Financement de l'infrastructure de recherche (2013-2018)