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Hamstring
Strength
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Pediatric
Gait
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Step Rate
Modification
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Ultrasound
Elastography
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Running
Injury Index
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Dynamic
MRI of Knee
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Muscle Function
during Gait
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Knee Exercises
to treat OA
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Hamstring Strength Deficits Following Hamstring Strain
Hamstring re-injury rates can be as high as 30% in running related sports. With most re-injuries occurring within the initial two weeks following return to sport (RTS); incomplete recovery of strength following the acute hamstring strain may be a contributing factor. The extent of strength recovery and morphological changes at the time of RTS is currently unknown. Our research goal is to characterize hamstring strength at the time of RTS and six months after RTS.(Learn More)
Surgical Correction of Pediatric Gait Disorders
The goal of this project is to provide a scientific basis for the surgical treatment of gait disorders in children with cerebral palsy. Currently, we are using a multi-faceted approach to understand outcomes following treatment of crouch gait with distal femoral extension osteotomy and patellar tendon advancement. Our goal is to use computational tools to move toward patient-specific treatment planning. (Learn More)
Step Rate Modification during Running
It is expected that approximately 56% of recreational runners will sustain a running-related injury each year, with 42% of all injuries occurring at the knee. Although many risk factors have been identified, excessive knee joint loading has been identified as one of the most common when predicting the occurrence of injury. In attempts to reduce the amount of energy absorbed in the lower extremity joints, our lab is analyzing the effects of increasing a runner's step rate. (Learn More)
Ultrasound Elastography of Musculoskeletal Tissue
The goal of this study is to noninvasively evaluate the mechanical properties of tendinous tissue. We have developed an elastography method that can determine regional variations to assess abnormalities in tissue properties as well as identify regions of possible injury. (Learn More)
Electrical Stimulation to Determine Muscle Function in Gait
The goal of this study is to use electrical stimulation to increase muscle activation during walking in order to determine contributions of specific muscles to gait kinetics and kinematics. We are currently focusing on the function of the triceps surae muscle group in the calf. This project will allow better understanding of muscle function in healthy adults and help to validate and/or correct computational models of human walking. (Learn More)
Development of the University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index (UWRI)
Approximately 56% of recreational runners will experience a running-related injury this year requiring medical care, reduction in running, or modification of daily activities. Despite the high injury prevalence, there is not a standardized method to quantify limitations caused by the injury. The purpose of this research is to develop a valid and reliable outcome measure specific to the activity of running. (Learn More)
Dynamic MRI to Assess Functional Musculoskeletal Mechanics
While successful at characterizing anatomy and morphology, static MRI does not lend insight into system performance under the dynamic loads experienced during functional activities. We are currently developing new dynamic imaging tools that can visualize and quantify musculoskeletal tissues during functionally loaded tasks. Our first study will be examining how knee kinematics change after ACL reconstruction. (Learn More)
Increasing the Use of Exercises for Treating Osteoarthritis of the Knee
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based therapeutic exercise resource center in order to increase physician use of exercises to treat osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Participants are asked to complete several questions to assess their stage of OA progression. Based on their responses, a unique exercise program is generated and given to them through the website. In addition to descriptions and images of their prescribed exercises, patients are also given an animate video of someone demonstrating the exercise to further understand proper techniques. How patients use the website as well as their progress related to knee OA symptoms is monitored throughout the duration of the study. (Learn More)
