Biomechanics Research Laboratory

Biomechanics Research Lab

Location:  Room 178N Forker

Description

The Biomechanics Laboratory is a 1750 square foot facility that is part of the Human Performance Laboratories housed within the Department of Kinesiology. The major pieces of laboratory equipment include:

Research

Impact biomechanics (Dr. Tim Derrick)

The Biomechanics Laboratory has close ties with industry in the area of impacts. We have tested the cushioning properties of footwear for such organizations as Fila, Air Walk, Remington, Speedo, Wilson and the US Military. We have tested impact attenuation in gymnastics mats, vault tables and pads for companies such as Hadar Manufacturing and American Athletics. Shock attenuation has also been assessed in wheelchairs and basketball rims. Current research in this area involves the effects that the geometry of the body during the impact has on the effective mass and the impact attenuation.

Osteogenic exercise (Dr. Tim Derrick)

Older adults and astronauts during long duration spaceflight have decreased bone strength that can lead to fracture. Exercise has been shown to increase bone strength and could be used as a preventative measure if the boundaries of safe and effective use can be identified. We are using biochemical blood markers that are associated with bone resorption and formation in an effort to identify optimal patterns of impacts. We are also collecting impacts from various sport and exercise activities so that we can eventually identify those activities that produce the greatest osteogenic effect. The pattern of impacts can also play a role in stress fractures in athletes and military recruits. These are serious injuries that result in significant health care costs, lost training time, and interference with job performance and competition.

Assessment of back exoskeletons during patient transfers (Dr. Jason Gillette)

The objective of this project is to determine if back exoskeletons are a potential intervention to reduce the risk of back injuries during patient transfers. We are quantifying if low back exoskeletons reduce low back muscle activity and determining if participants perceive reduced exertion during simulated patient transfers compared to performing patient transfers without assistance. In addition, we are compiling and interpreting participant opinions of back exoskeleton usability during patient transfers. This research is funded by a pilot project research training grant from the Heartland Center for Occupational Health and Safety at the University of Iowa.

Ergonomic needs and exoskeleton usage in construction (Dr. Jason Gillette)

The purpose of this research is to provide recommendations to construction companies by assessing back exoskeletons for tasks that require lifting and lowering movements. We identify job tasks where back fatigue is a concern, then test back exoskeletons either at a construction worksite or by simulating tasks in the Biomechanics Lab. Electromyography, video analysis, and questionnaires are utilized to estimate the risk of back muscle fatigue, predict if a back exoskeleton reduces this risk, and determine if a back exoskeleton is a practical intervention for the job task. The research is funded by the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University.

Predictive modeling of shoulder fatigue and injury risk (Dr. Jason Gillette)

The purpose of this research is to create and validate a shoulder assessment model as an ergonomic application for objectively quantifying musculoskeletal disorder risk. This model maps arm postures with a range of hand loads to muscle activation levels. Shoulder muscle fatigue is predicted using of the ACGIH fatigue threshold limit values. We utilize motion capture to provide accurate posture profiles of workers in both lab settings and real-world operations. This approach could improve the accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency of ergonomic assessments beyond typical observational methods. The National Safety Council funded development of this model.

Lower extremity foot function (Dr. Tim Derrick)

Foot disorders are difficult to study in humans because the foot is complex and resistant to internal examination. We have built a machine that allows us to move the muscles and skeleton of a cadaver foot in a natural motion so that we can measure bone movements and strains. We are working on using this information to build an accurate model of the foot so that function and dysfunction can be studied.

Fatigue, Cognition, and Gait Balance Control (Dr. Li-Shan Chou)

Fatigue is a prevalent symptom in work settings and often found in the older population. It negatively impacts the quality of life and associates with elevated mortality rates in the older population. In addition, cognitive dysfunction is another important intrinsic factor of fall accidents. This study is aimed to examine effects of fatigue, induced by a laboratory-based fatigue protocol or an occupational activity, on balance control, cognitive performance, and their interaction. We will validate the use of whole-body fatigue protocol, establish biomechanical parameters used to indicate fatigue-induced balance deficits, compare these parameters before and after work in older male and female workers, and lastly, seek to establish a connection between differences in parameters and mechanisms induced by the laboratory-based fatigue protocol and occupational activity. Project outcome will identify the impact of fatigue as a risk factor for movement-related accidents, form a solid basis for future studies examining how biomechanical screening and assessment may preemptively identify individuals at risk, and help develop effective interventions to prevent fatigue-related injuries.

Gait Function, Wearable Sensor Technology and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) (Dr. Li-Shan Chou)

Identification of mTBI and detection of incomplete functional recovery through readily available, objective evaluation will enhance short-term operational readiness via rapid recovery, and reduce mTBI recurrence, musculoskeletal injury, and occupational mishaps. Increased long-term readiness could be achieved through reduced incidence of long-term post-concussive symptom development. Objectives of this study are to identify acceleration-based biomechanical markers associated with mTBI related gait imbalance, develop an automated grading algorithm, and package gait analysis hardware and algorithms into a smart phone-based application easily and reliably employed in the clinical or forward deployed settings.

Attention and Gait (Dr. Li-Shan Chou)

The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of visuospatial attention during walking. We use obstacle avoidance as a model to examine how humans allocate and use visual information from the environment while walking, and how the body interacts with the object while planning and executing an obstacle crossing. We employ a visuospatial attention task that provides access to examine how visuospatial attention interacts with obstacle crossing during walking. In particular, by manipulating where one is paying attention in space, we are able to probe how attention and the stepping response interact. Furthermore, we apply transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in several brain sites to investigate the cortical control driven by visual attention during locomotion.

Collaborative Research

The Biomechanics Lab has collaborated on numerous projects with colleagues from industry, other disciplines, and other universities. For example: