The Motion Analysis Center is dedicated to the study of human movement and is housed in the Department of Physical Therapy as a partnership between the College of Health Professions and the College of Science and Engineering. The following projects are underway in the Motion Analysis Center:
- The effect of wrist angle on grip force in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke populations.
- Drs. Ksenia Ustinova, Joe Langenderfer, and Nilanthy Balendra focus on validating a custom-built manipulandum device, which was developed to facilitate grasp and release in individuals with motor impairments affecting the finger and wrist complex. The device is being used to determine the most optimal angular position of the hand for facilitation (not for substitution!) of grasp and release in individuals with different severity of muscle spasticity and weakness after acquired brain injury (e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury).
- The effect of hammer handle length and mass on upper extremity joint loadings.
- Although not as common as activities of daily living, hammering is a frequently occurring manual task that alters loads applied to the joints and tissues of the upper extremity. In some manual labor professions, hammering is the most common task performed, yet estimates of the internal loads applied to upper extremity joints resulting from the hammer are notably absent from the current scientific literature. Drs. Nilanthy Balendra and Joe Langenderfer developed the study to to understand how hammer usage affects the intersegmental forces and moments for the wrist, elbow, and shoulder when striking common nails. The upper extremity model has been developed in OpenSim and subject testing is imminent.
- Longitudinal adaptations in locomotor strategies for infants learning to walk independently.
- Dr. Jennifer Sansom investigated the real-time adaptions in gait made by infants while wearing a lycra garment versus the second diaper as they progress from begin walking with support to skilled, independent walkers.
- Balance characteristics of "boarders" and individuals with low back pain.
- Drs. Jennifer Sansom and Karen Lomond examine and compare the adaptive balance and motor control strategies used by individuals who regularly participate in board sports and individuals with low back pain under varying sensory conditions.
- The effect of grip force on postural control during ambulation.
- Drs. Ksenia Ustinova, Joe Langenderfer, and Nilanthy Balendra investigate movement decomposition and reciprocal arm-leg coordination during walking with and without an assistive device in patients with traumatic brain injury. As an assistive device, participants hold a 500 g stick (20cm x 4cm x 4cm) containing a force transducer measuring amount of grip forces applied.
- Development of 3D immersive video game to improve arm-postural coordination in patients with TBI.
- Drs. Ksenia Ustinova and Jan Perkins applied game-based virtual reality therapy to correct postural and coordination abnormalities in individuals with traumatic brain injury. The therapy consisted of a series of immersive virtual reality games and scenarios for retraining whole body coordination, including arm coordination, posture and gait. The games were delivered with the Kinect Motion sensor (Microsoft, Inc) and projected onto an 82-inch screen. Following therapy, most participants improved their static and dynamic postural stability, gait and arm movements. These effects persisted over the retention interval. The research project was sponsored by the US Department of Defense, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation.
- Changes in kinematics from wearing brassiere's with varying breast support.
- Drs. Ksenia Ustinova, Joe Langenderfer measured the performance of common sports bras and a new style bra at reducing breast motion during five common exercises. This study was commercially sponsored.
