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Motion Capture for Human Movement Motion Analysis

Quantitative movement analysis is useful in identifying the underlying causes for movement abnormalities in pathologic patient groups such as in patients with knee osteoarthritis or cerebral palsy. The results of the motion capture system have been shown to be useful in determining the best course of treatment in these types ofmotion capture patient populations.  Patients and controls will participate in 3-Dimensional biomechanical movement analysis testing to evaluate initial differences in variables between pathologic and healthy controls.  This work will help to determine if surgery and physical therapy improve these movement parameters over time and to what extent.


Electromyography

Electromyography (EMG), is described as an experimental technique describing the neuromuscular activation of muscles within postural tasks, functional movements, work conditions and treatment/training regimes.  A variety of disciplines use EMG to provide insights into how we perform movement which include: biomechanists, physical therapist, clinicians, and strength coaches.  Subjects will perform movement tasks while neuromuscular activity is recorded.  This work will provide us with the basic knowledge of how motor units are recruited in certain musculature for a given movement task.


Novel Pressure Distribution Measurement System

The Novel pressure measurement system captures dynamic in-shoe pressures as well as pressures as measured on a mat revealing, interaction between foot and footwear or body and appliance.  Applications for a plantar pressure system include: screen for disorders secondary to diabetes or other neuropathic issues, observe movement disabilities, and regulate weight bearing after surgery.  Other applications involve tissue pressures while sitting, standing, rolling or performing other functional activities.


Pilates

pilates“Pilates” is a popular body conditioning system that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination. Joseph H. Pilates evolved his strengthening method while assisting the recovery of wounded soldiers as a nurse during World War I. Drawing from yoga and the martial arts, Joseph Pilates created exercises and machinery to improve overall psychophysical health and well-being. Today, the Pilates Method is recognized worldwide and has an excellent track record for strengthening the “core,” the key muscles of the torso that support the spine and limbs.  The Method consists of an extensive series of mat exercises and use of a “Reformer,” a machine with an advanced system of pulleys and straps.  Essential ingredients in this mind-body approach to exercise are centering, control, flow, breath, precision, and concentration. Rather than simply repeating exercises with little focus, attending to how to do an exercise makes all the difference in the outcome.

The Pilates Reformer in the Human Performance and Biodynamics Lab will be used primarily for research. Dr. Glenna Batson, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Winston-Salem State University (pictured), will be conducting research on the effects of Pilates exercise on gait and balance in two specialized populations: professional dancers and adults with Parkinson disease. Please stay tuned as the research evolves.