When everything is working properly, humans can perform high-demand activities of daily living for more than 100 years. This rarely happens. One of the greatest barriers to realizing this potential is pathology of the musculoskeletal system. Joints are critical elements for enabling complex movements between segments, and they are remarkable in their ability to facilitate motion while transmitting forces; however, changes due to disease and injury interfere with mechanical function. Clinical interventions aim to alter joint mechanics; however, a lack of information on how healthy joints function during dynamic loading and whether interventions effectively alter joint mechanics as intended limit the ability to optimize treatments. 

The purpose of this work is to use biplanar videoradiography to directly measure a person’s specific anatomy in motion while they perform high-demand activities. Precise information describing the motion of the skeletal system coupled with full-body musculoskeletal modeling approaches may provide insights into joint function and health.

Current Members

Michael Rainbow, PhD
Principal Investigator

Understanding the relationships between form, function, and dysfunction in multi-articular joint structures of the appendicular skeleton using a comparative approach involving collaboration with researchers in evolutionary biology, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, computer science, exercise science, and motor control.

Erin Lee
PhD Candidate

The relationship between morphology and function in the shoulder.

Anja-Verena Behling
PhD Student

Determining form-function relationships in the human foot, specifically the midfoot.

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Quinn Yetman
PhD Student

Computational modelling of the ankle joint complex to understand relationship between bone motion and soft tissue behaviour.

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Max Ferguson
MASc Student

Investigating the dynamics and adaptations of the foot arch and ankle joint using 3D analysis.

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Claire Zanin
MASc Student

Using the knee and shoulder joints to determine whether the degree-of-freedom, locomotor demands or injury sensitivity influence joint constraints and morphological variation.

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Anastasija Mihic
MASc Student

TBD

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Kelly Godkin
MASc Student

TBD

Rhianna Laing
MASc Student

TBD

Noah Brandes
Lab Technician

Managing laboratory infrastructure, while collaborating with scientists and engineers on biomechanical projects relating to the wrist, shoulder, and feet.

Sponsors

The Estate of Donald McGeachy, B.Sc. (Mech Eng) 1940