Health & Rehabilitation Research
Our current research activities focus on a variety of health issues across the age span.
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Paediatric populations (Researchers: V. Chester, U. Kuruganti)
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Clinical gait analysis research is conducted in conjunction with River Valley Health, Autism New Brunswick, and other associations. We identify and assess abnormal movement patterns in children with Cerebral Palsy, Downsyndrome, hypotonia, Autism, and other disorders. The underlying causes of abnormal movements are determined and group characteristics are identified.Prosthetic biomechanics research is conducted in conjunction with the Prosthetics Clinic at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Children using below-elbow myoelectric prostheses are asked to participate in a variety of gross motor activities (i.e. riding a bike, zipping a coat, swinging, and T-ball). Analyses determine differences in movement patterns between prosthetic users and normative data. In addition, changes in movement as a function of the type of wrist joint used are also examined.
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Elderly population (Researchers: U. Kuruganti, C. McGibbon, V. Chester)
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Biomechanics research is conducted to examine strategies used to maintain balance in elderly adults with and without balance impairments and history of falls. Measurements of head and gaze stability and balance and sensory organization are used to identify fall prevention strategies.Research on arthritis examines the interrelationship between movement impairments, adaptations, and function. Analyses aim to identify the biomechanical parameters that should be targeted during rehabilitation.Arthroplasty research examines differences in movement patterns between individuals with total knee arthroplasty, unicompartmental arthroplasty, and normative data. Various component designs are also tested to determine which component generates more “normal” knee mechanics.Physiological research regarding balance and muscle activation patterns in the lower limb. Development of targeted rehabilitation programs to strengthen the lower limbs and adapt muscle recruitment patterns.
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Occupational Biomechanics (Researchers: U. Kuruganti, W. Albert)
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Ergonomic field studies of forest harvesting operators in industry (Irving). Posture and muscle activity data from the upper extremities and back will provide insight into muscle fatigue in this industry.Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) The IRSST’s mandate is to ensure the development and dissemination of the scientific knowledge needed to achieve these goals. It is the largest independent workplace health and safety research institute in Canada. IRSST is a partner in current research regarding forest workers.The Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia and the Workplace Health and Safety Compensation Commission of New Brunswick are partners in research regarding work injury and rehabilitation.Collaborations have been made with Dalhousie University and Memorial University in Newfoundland. In particular, in Newfoundland current research includes investigation lifting and low back pain in ship workers. The university has a ship simulator and collaborative research investigating the effect of ship motion on balance and fatigue.The Auto21 project examines injury prevention in automobile plant workers.
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Military Personnel, CFB Gagetown (Researchers: W. Albert, J. Sexsmith)
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Physiological measures, such as blood oxygenation levels, are measured in helicopter pilots while wearing helmet/mask equipment to assess the body’s response to this specific environment.
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Adult Population (Researchers: C. McGibbon, V. Chester, U. Kuruganti)
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Biomechanical studies of persons with ACL injuries are being conducted to examine movement differences in reconstructed and non-reconstructed knees.Balance and fall prevention studies are also conducted in adult populations with diseases/disorders that compromise head and gaze stability and balance and sensory organization (i.e. ALS).
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E-Health (Researchers: C. McGibbon)
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Various studies in E-Health are being conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering including, remote sign language systems, remote monitoring, tele-rehabilitation, and remote motion capture and analysis.
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Current Collaborations
The Faculty of Kinesiology, in collaboration with members of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, conducts a great deal of research in the field of health and rehabilitation. This type of research requires strong ties with the medical community. Our current collaborations include:
River Valley Health
Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital – Orthopaedic Surgery
Carriage Place Physiotherapy
Stan Cassidy Center for Rehabilitation
Prosthetics Clinic
Autism, NB
Workers Compensation Agencies (WHSCC; WCB, Nova Scotia)
CFB Gagetown
Other Universities: Memorial University, Dahousie University, Queens University
Children’s Hospital, San Diego
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Clinical Services (Researchers: V. Chester, U. Kuruganti)
Our research group is currently providing clinical gait analysis services to the Stan Cassidy Center for Rehabilitation (SCCR). Children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy are referred to the lab for assessment of their walking or gait patterns. State-of-the-art motion capture systems are used to track movement, estimate joint loads, and monitor muscle activity as each child walks back and forth in the lab. Results of the analysis are provided to the patient’s family and clinicians to aid in treatment planning and evaluation. We present the findings to the clinical group (SCCR paediatric team) and aid in interpretation of the data and subsequent treatment plans.
