Program Description

The study of Neuromechanics at Oregon State University combines the classic sub- disciplines of Biomechanics and Motor Control.  Specifically, we are interested in how the nervous system and musculoskeletal system work cooperatively to produce human movement; and the relationships between specific movement patterns and musculoskeletal health. 

The Neuromechanics program is structured as one of the graduate areas of concentration within Exercise and Sport Science, and offers both MS and PhD options . The mission of the Neuromechanics program is to provide students with training and practical experience in the basic tools and methods needed to be successful in researching human movement; whether in clinical, occupational, or sport applications. Coursework in the program thus encompasses biomechanics, motor control, other areas of exercise science, engineering, life sciences, and research methods. The program is flexible and can be tailored to meet individual interests.

Additionally, the aim of the PhD option is to develop academic scholars specifically trained to independently design, conduct, and disseminate cutting-edge research. As such, there is a heavy emphasis on research training, as well as on academic professional development.

Research Agenda

Research in Neuromechanics at OSU currently focuses on clinical and ergonomic applications of biomechanics and motor control, with an emphasis on injury prevention. Both experimental and modeling approaches are used. Research projects of the faculty and their associated graduate students generally fall into one of the following areas:

1. Understanding non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
   Landing from a jump or cutting while running can result in injury to the ACL, which negatively impacts the long-term health of the knee joint and can reduce physical activity levels. We utilize our collective faculty expertise in both motor control and biomechanics in an attempt to elucidate potential mechanisms of ACL injury and develop evidence-based prevention programs.
   
   
2. Understanding and preventing falls
   Falls are a serious health concern in older adults. Our goal is to develop fall prevention programs based on the neuromechanics of falling. Of particular interest is the extent to which individuals can learn to better react to and prevent falls from unpredictable balance disturbances. We are also studying the biomechanics of exercise-based interventions against osteoporosis and falls.
   
   
3. Safer transfers of people with disabilities
   To travel by aircraft or automobile, many people with disabilities must transfer between a wheelchair and a vehicle seat. We are conducting research aimed at reducing the risks of injury during these transfers, with particular focus on back injuries to those assisting with the transfer. Factors being considered include individual characteristics, the design of the vehicle, and use of assistive devices.

Recent Doctoral, Master’s, and undergraduate Honors thesis/dissertation topics have included:

• Spinal reflex control in healthy and ACL-injured women during a distracting task (E. Perrier, PhD, 2011; Advisor: Hoffman)
• Effects of decision making on landing neuromechanics as a function of task and sex (M. Mache, PhD, 2010; Advisor: Pavol)
• Spinal control mechanisms in elite level, explosively-trained athletes from two different sports (M. Zidek, MS, 2010; Advisor: Hoffman)
• Digit span ratio, joint laxity, and muscular strength as predisposing factors for female ACL injuries (S. Cohen, BS, 2010; Advisor: Hoffman)
• The effects of voluntary step-training on slip recovery (J. Baxter, MS, 2009; Advisor: Pavol)
• Effects of the aging-related loss in lower extremity strength on the feasible region for balance recovery (N. Kadono, PhD, 2009; Advisor: Pavol)
• Acute and delayed effects of an exhaustive bout of exercise on landing biomechanics in women and men (K. Kipp, PhD, 2009; Advisor: Pavol)
• Spinal control differences between the sexes (S. Johnson, PhD, 2009; Advisor: Hoffman)
• Spatial consumption and injury risk during assisted toilet transfers on an aircraft (K. Philbrick, MS, 2008; Advisor: Pavol)
• Effects of mediolateral foot motion during a slip on balance loss and recovery (A. Blackwell, BS, 2008; Advisor: Pavol)
• Biomechanics of dependent transfers on board an aircraft (B. Higginson, PhD, 2007; Advisor: Pavol)
• Biomechanics of running and rapid change-of-direction tasks (G. Golden, PhD, 2007; Advisors: Hoffman & Pavol)

Research Laboratories

Research activities in the Neuromechanics program are conducted in two laboratory spaces: the Biomechanics Laboratory and the Sports Medicine/Disabilities Research Laboratory. Faculty and students in our program are able to use both of these laboratories and the research equipment they house.

Biomechanics Laboratory
The Biomechanics Laboratory, located on the ground floor of the Women’s Building, includes an open data collection space with adequate dimensions (35’ x 25’ x 12’) for studying a wide variety of activities. Attached are workspaces for data analysis and device fabrication/storage. The laboratory's research equipment encompasses a full array of modern biomechanics tools, including:

• A Vicon 9-camera optical motion capture system
• Two Bertec force platforms with multiple mounting configurations
• A Noraxon 16-channel telemetered electromyography system
• AnyBody biomechanical modeling software
• Computers with data acquisition, control, and data analysis capabilities

Sports Medicine/Disabilities Research Laboratory
The Sports Medicine/Disabilities Research Laboratory is also located on the ground floor of the Women's Building, in close proximity to the Biomechanics Laboratory. The 2500-square foot laboratory includes a large open area for data collection, as well as a separate space for both balance and isokinetic testing. Major laboratory research equipment includes:

• Biodex System 3 Isokinetic Dynamometer
• Neurocom Smart Balance Master
• Compu KT Knee Arthrometer
• Multiple Biopac data collection systems
• Grass S88 Stimulators

Collaborative research has also been conducted with the Bone Research Laboratory (Applied Division), the National Center for Accessible Transportation at OSU, and OSU researchers in Movement Studies in Disability and Mechanical Engineering.

Past and current research projects have been supported by agencies that include the U.S. Department of Education (NIDRR), the National Institutes of Health, National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research and Education Foundation, and the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation, as well as through the OSU Research Office, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, and Center for Healthy Aging Research.

Our research results have been disseminated though numerous publications and at the national conferences of such organizations as the American Society of Biomechanics, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Neuromechanics Faculty

Mike Pavol, PhD
Associate Professor, Exercise and Sport Science. Research interests are in the neuromechanics of falls and fracture prevention in older adults, and in the biomechanics of transfers of people with disabilities.

Mark Hoffman, PhD, ATC, FACSM
Associate Dean, College of Public Health and Human Sciences. Research focus is in the study of the sensory and motor systems of the human body in an attempt to gain a better understanding of their mechanisms for the promotion of human movement, physical activity, and the prevention of injury.

Marc Norcross, PhD, ATC
Assistant Professor, Exercise and Sport Science. Current research focus is the quantification of lower extremity energy absorption during landing in an effort to both understand non-contact ACL injury mechanisms and identify modifiable biomechanical factors that should be targeted in ACL injury prevention programs.

Sam Johnson, PhD, ATC
Clinical Assistant Professor, Exercise and Sport Science. Research focus is on understanding how the nervous system controls and coordinates movement, and the development of strategies to prevent and rehabilitate athletic injuries and other pathologies.

Affiliated Faculty

Christine Pollard, PhD, PT
Instructor and Program Lead, Exercise and Sport Science, OSU-Cascades. Current research foci are: 1) identifying potential mechanisms underlying the disproportionate incidence of ACL injuries in female athletes; and, 2) identifying biomechanical and early articular cartilage changes at the knee in individuals post-ACL reconstruction.

Kim Hannigan, PhD, ATC
Clinical Assistant Professor, Exercise and Sport Science.  Research interests are in the area of biomechanics of motion as it relates to pathological conditions of the foot.  Projects include the comparison of static clinical exam assessments to the kinematic three-dimensional evaluation of dynamic foot motion.

Information for Graduate Applicants

Applicants for graduate study in neuromechanics should have completed or should demonstrate the potential to successfully complete undergraduate course work in biomechanics, motor control, physics, mathematics (including calculus), computer programming, human anatomy, and physiology. Students without this breadth of knowledge and skills will be required to supplement their graduate program of study with selected undergraduate courses, as determined in consultation with their major professor. Individuals with previous work and clinical experience in athletic training or physical therapy are highly encouraged to apply. Graduate students in neuromechanics are encouraged to perform their thesis/dissertation research in one of the current areas of research focus. Thus, the degree to which an applicant’s interests and experience relate to one of these areas and faculty expertise is considered in the admissions process. Graduate assistantships are typically available to highly qualified students.

Individuals seeking more information about graduate study in neuromechanics are encouraged to contact Mike Pavol for general information or one of the other faculty members for information specific to their research.

Graduate Courses Offered

• EXSS 515 – Motor Control and Movement Dysfunction (Spring term, even-numbered years)
• EXSS 523 – Biomechanics of Motor Activities (Fall term, odd-numbered years)
• EXSS 525 – Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury (Fall term, even-numbered years)
• EXSS 599 – Research Methods in Motor Control (pending)

Other supporting courses are offered within the program in Exercise and Sport Science and through the Colleges of Engineering and Science.