Biomechanics is a field of specialization that integrates the mechanical and biological aspects of living systems. In biomechanics, the methods of engineering are used to quantify and understand how the body moves, how movement is controlled, and the forces acting on biological tissues during movement. Biomechanics is an integral part of exercise science, sports medicine, orthopedics, ergonomics, and physical therapy, and a wide variety of career opportunities in research and development exist for biomechanists within academic, clinical, and industrial settings.

The biomechanics program at Oregon State University is structured as one of the graduate areas of concentration within Exercise and Sport Science. The goal of the biomechanics 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. A neuromechanical approach is emphasized, integrating the study of biomechanics with motor control and musculoskeletal physiology. Coursework in the program thus encompasses exercise science, engineering, life sciences, and research methods. The program is flexible and can be tailored to individual interests.

Research

Research in biomechanics at OSU is focused on clinical and ergonomic applications of biomechanics, with emphasis on injury prevention. Both experimental and modeling approaches are used. Research projects of the faculty and graduate students are in three major areas:

1. Understanding and preventing falls. Falls are a serious health concern in older adults. Our goal is to develop fall prevention programs based on the biomechanics 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 influence of muscle strength on the ability to prevent a fall.
2. Safer transfers of people with disabilities. To travel by aircraft or by automobile, many people with disabilities have to transfer between a wheelchair and a vehicle seat. We are conducting research aimed at understanding and 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 the use of assistive devices.
3. Landing mechanics. Landing from a jump can result in injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), particularly among women. However, the forces during landing can also promote skeletal health. We are seeking to characterize the effects of factors such as sex, age, jump type, muscle fatigue, and anticipation on the neuromechanics of landing in children and young adults.

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

• The effects of voluntary step-training on slip recovery (J. Baxter, MS, 2009)
• Effects of the aging-related loss in lower extremity strength on the feasible region for balance recovery (N. Kadono, PhD, 2009)
• Acute and delayed effects of an exhaustive bout of exercise on landing biomechanics in women and men (K. Kipp, PhD, 2009)
• Spatial consumption and injury risk during assisted toilet transfers on an aircraft (K. Philbrick, MS, 2008)
• Effects of mediolateral foot motion during a slip on balance loss and recovery (A. Blackwell, BS, 2008)
• Biomechanics of dependent transfers on board an aircraft (B. Higginson, PhD, 2007)
• Biomechanics of running and rapid change-of-direction tasks (G. Golden, PhD, 2007)
• Preventing falls from unpredictable balance disturbances (L. Welsh, MS, 2006)
• Achilles tendon forces during a round-off back handspring (C. Piazza, BS, 2005)
• Forces at the hip during different jumping activities by children (B. Black, MS, 2005)

Strong research interactions exist with the Sports Medicine program, the Bone Research Laboratory (Applied Division), and the National Center for Accessible Transportation at OSU. Collaborative research has also been conducted with OSU researchers in Movement Studies in Disability and in 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, and the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation, as well as through the OSU Research Office, College of Health and Human Sciences, and Center for Healthy Aging Research. The results have been disseminated though publications and at conferences of such organizations as the American Society of Biomechanics, the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Biomechanics Laboratory

The Biomechanics Laboratory, located in Women’s Building 15 (ground floor), 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, graduate student offices, and storage. The laboratory's research equipment encompasses a full array of modern biomechanics tools, including:

• A 9-camera optical motion capture system (Vicon)
• Two force platforms (Bertec) with multiple mounting configurations
• A 16-channel telemetered electromyography system (Noraxon)
• Biomechanical modeling software (AnyBody, OpenSim)
• An instrumented fall-arrest system

The Biomechanics Laboratory is located in close proximity to other department research laboratories, providing easy, shared access to equipment that includes:

• An isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex)
• A Bassey power rig (U. of Nottingham)
• A balance evaluation system (Neurocom)
• A metabolic cart system (ParvoMedics)

Collaborative research with the Biomechanics Laboratory is welcomed.

Undergraduate students interested in research or internship opportunities in the Biomechanics Laboratory are encouraged to contact Mike Pavol, PhD, the Director of the lab (see below).

Biomechanics Faculty

Mike Pavol, PhD

Associate Professor, Director of the Biomechanics Laboratory, and primary faculty contact for biomechanics. Research interests are in the biomechanics of falls and fracture prevention in older adults, and in the biomechanics of transfers of people with disabilities.

Affiliated Faculty

Mark Hoffman, PhD, ATC, FACSM

Kerri Winters-Stone, PhD, FACSM

Current Biomechanics Students

Melissa Mache, MS

Melanie Dinger, BS

Information for Graduate Applicants

Applicants for graduate study in biomechanics should have a demonstrated aptitude in physics, mathematics (including calculus), and problem solving. Also highly desirable are strong communication skills, coursework in basic engineering mechanics, computer programming skills, and knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and motor control. Students without this breadth of knowledge and skills will be required to supplement their graduate program of study with selected undergraduate course work, as determined in consultation with their major professor. Graduate students in biomechanics 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 is considered in the admissions process. Graduate assistantships are typically available to highly qualified students.

Graduate Courses Offered

EXSS 523 – Biomechanics of Motor Activities (Winter term, even-numbered years)

EXSS 599 – Clinical, Sport, and Occupational Biomechanics (Winter term, odd-numbered years)

Other supporting courses are offered within the Department of Nutrition & Exercise Sciences and through the Colleges of Engineering and Science.