My previous research has focused on walking and running gait to understand how factors such as an external load, or type of running shoe influence gait parameters; however, my research is moving towards sport movement mechanics. A main focus of my research utilizes 3D motion capture and analysis to gain a deeper understanding of mechanics of movements. Additionally, I also utilize force collection as well as electromyography to add additional levels of detail to the 3D reconstruction model. Currently I am working on two projects utilizing 3D motion capture, where one focuses on gait, while the other is focused on landing mechanics. In my gait research, I am looking at a variety of parameters in adults with type 2 diabetes in conjunction with peripheral neuropathy and how a prescription to treat peripheral neuropathy affects gait. Within the analysis for this research, I am looking at spatiotemporal characteristics, ground reaction forces, joint moments, and impulses. This wide array of data provides a robust analysis of gait parameters and paints a more complete picture of how gait is influenced by the diagnosed conditions. My other current work focuses on landing mechanics in healthy, college-aged females with the aim of understanding the influence of ankle tape on ACL risk factors as well as other injury risk movement patterns. As females are already up to 10 times more likely than males to tear their ACL in a non-contact movement, if we can identify additional risk factors that contribute to this problem, it is possible to reduce this risk, especially if a risk factor is easily avoided. I am also looking at their gait changes due to the taping, throughout the course of a 15 minute run. Lastly, I am interested in neural control of involved muscles of the leg through the utilization of EMG to identify when the muscles are preactivated to prepare for the impact. Due to utilizing varied heights of landing platforms, it is possible to gain insight into muscles having a set time to preactivate, or if that changes based on the height of the landing platform. This data will allow a better understanding of how the brain controls movements in order to prepare for a ground impact.

With my current research, I aim to discover the answers to some pertinent questions that will further expand our understanding of musculoskeletal mechanics. Does taping only one ankle cause increased risk in the contralateral limb for injury at the knee through an additional force loading? Does peripheral neuropathy influence braking and propulsion impulses through a modified loading to compensate for altered nerve feedback in the foot? Through the analysis of multiple kinetic and kinematic variables, it is possible to uncover the various effects of altered mechanics influenced by restricting the range of motion at the ankle. Through the baseline study, more questions will arise that will drive future investigations to uncover additional mechanical impacts.

It is important to recognize other researchers that have made the contributions to the field that have provided a base of knowledge that makes my current work possible through the implementation of research based assumptions. Furthering our knowledge through research based practice is truly best illustrated as Bernard of Chartres stated “we stand on the shoulders of giants.”