Biomechanics and Ergonomics

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

  • 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 AzarDr. Nadia Azar

  • 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 CortJoel 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. Francesco Biondi 

  • 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