Themes

The Performance Optimization Lab takes a multidisciplinary approach to investigate important elements of biomechanics and motor control. Currently, our lab projects can be organized under the following higher level research themes.

Muscle Function Optimization

While appropriate muscle function is critical for the execution of human movement, deficiencies in muscular function negatively impacts human performance. Because neuromuscular deficits can persist post-injury adversely affecting long-term outcomes, identifying injury risk factors and improving strategies that prevent both initial and recurrent muscle injuries are critical components of performance optimization. The aims of this research theme are:
1) to identify characteristics of muscle structure and function that potentially increases injury risk and/or hinders human performance.
2) determine the effects of therapeutic interventions on optimizing muscle function and human performance in both healthy and injured populations.

Tissue Properties and Function Optimization

The material and structure properties of tissues throughout the body are tied to tissue function. At the cellular level, tissue properties influence mechanotransduction; at the tissue level material properties may indicate injury risk and at the organism level tissue properties change the way loads are applied to the body.

Improving Musculoskeletal Models

Musculoskeletal modeling is useful in performance optimization research to predict outcomes or to estimate difficult to measure variables. However, the usefulness of such models depends on their accuracy. In addition, in order for musculoskeletal models to successfully translate into more informed clinical decision making, the subject-specificity of these models could be improved.

Human Movement and Sport Performance Optimization

Optimizing task execution in healthy, active, and athletic populations is central to excellence in performance. Biomechanical analyses identifying known factors affecting task performance is critical to optimize performance. This research theme aims to:

1) Optimize baseball performance for both the throwing and hitting athlete.
2) Improve performance and outcomes in weightlifting and strength and conditioning drills.
3) Improve performance and reduce injury risks in athletic movements.

Using Virtual Reality to alter Human Movement

Virtual reality is a new and exciting area of biomechanics research. Understanding the biomechanical implications of utilizing VR systems is critical to utilizing these devices in testing, training and rehabilitation settings.