Welcome to the Biomechanics Research Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Our theoretical and experimental investigations are aimed at reducing the incidence of unintentional injuries in the population. Apart from the pain and suffering engendered, these injuries cost the U.S. tens of billions of dollars in medical costs and time lost from work. Worse, some of these injuries cause arthritis or other functional impairments with aging. Research projects are designed to achieve scientific insights, as well as to train undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and young faculty in state-of-the-art multidisciplinary research procedures.



Projects

Current BRL Projects (updated August, 2003)

• Biomechanics of Falls

The goal of this research is to identify the biomechanical factors that determine the risk of fracture in a fall. For example, we have demonstrated that the hand velocity, as well as arm configuration, can significantly affect impact force magnitude on the upper extremity (see “Publications”). We (Josh, Lisa, Hogene, JAAM) are presently extending these studies and experiments to 3-D falls in order to better identify strategies designed to reduce risk of fall-related injuries in athletes as well as elderly populations.

• Mobility and Aging

Fall-related hip fractures in the elderly are more likely to occur when turning than when walking straight. To find out why, we (Peggy, Dr. N.B. Alexander (Geriatrics) and JAAM) are completing kinematic studies of the effect of age on the conduct of 180o turns, with particular attention to the factors affecting minimum foot separation distance. For his doctoral thesis Brian (collaborating with Dr Alexander and JAAM) is studying the control of compensatory stepping in patients with balance impairments. Other studies (Drs Alexander, Nyquist, and Giordani, Persad & JAAM) involve more general studies of factors limiting mobility in the elderly.

• Postural Control and Balance

For the construction worker balancing on a beam 10 stories up, and for any elderly person on the ground, a loss of balance (LOB) can be deadly. For her doctoral dissertation, Alaa is developing and testing a novel theory involving the central nervous system’s use of a model reference system to compare expected and actual outputs based on its known inputs to the system (Ahmed & JAAM, in press, Gait & Posture). For his doctoral thesis Jaebum is examining the control and biomechanics of one-legged balance to find out why this is a predictor of upcoming fall-related injuries in certain elderly populations. For his doctoral thesis, Bing-Shiang (with NBA & JAAM) is studying the effect of advancing age on the reliable control of human balance on compliant structures like step ladders and chairs. Such structures increase the risk of a fall, especially in the elderly.

• Peripheral Neuropathy

One of the side effects of diabetes mellitus is peripheral neuropathy (PN). Our colleague Dr. J.K. Richardson (PM&R) has demonstrated that PN patients have a x20-fold increase in the risk for falls and x6 risk for fractures compared with age-matched healthy individuals. have of the same age. For her doctoral thesis Sibylle is collaborating with Dr. Richardson and JAAM to understand the effect of PN and aging on the ability of humans to walk on uneven surfaces.

 

• Childbirth and Pelvic Floor Impairments

The first vaginal birth is associated with a x2-fold increase in the risk of urinary incontinence and x4-risk in prolapse (conditions which are then exacerbated by aging). To understand why, Kuo-Cheng, Dr. J.O.L. Delancey and JAAM are developing a biomechanical model of the structure-function relationships in the female pelvic floor during birth (Lien et al. in press, Obstretrics & Gynecology). For Luyun is developing methods for analyzing MR images of the pelvic floor geometry, while Dejun is studying tissue properties. NIH is also supporting the development of new diagnostic tools for quantifying pelvic floor muscle strength and function (JOLD, Dr. N.M. Cole [Biologic Eng., Inc.], JAAM).

 

• ACL injuries

At any age over 12 years, women are at an increased x2 to x8-fold higher risk for ACL injury in sports like soccer, volleyball and basketball. If we knew why, then we might be able to prevent some of these unintentional injuries, which unfortunately can lead to knee degeneration later on in life. For his doctoral dissertation Tom (with Medsport’s Dr. Edward J. Wojtys, Laurie Huston, and JAAM) is studying the biomechanical factors that determine ACL strain under compound impact loading.

 

• High Velocity Muscle Training

As part of the Michigan Life Sciences Initiative (funded by the State of Michigan), the BRL (under JAAM) is developing and testing new technology for measuring power output at high velocities (with NMC at Biologic Eng’ng, Inc.). Eric is supervising the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint evaluations on 96 healthy young and older subjects being trained under a traditional 12-wk muscle exercise protocol and an alternative high-velocity protocol. High velocity performance is important to being able to take quick enough steps to prevent a fall.

 

Past Projects (under construction)

For further information on these or other projects check “Publications” and/or contact jaam@umich.edu