About the Lab

The Biodynamics Laboratory is a research and education facility that is shared by the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, College of Health Sciences and Center for Biomedical Engineering. The lab contains state of the art equipment for the purpose of conducting biomechanical analyses. The mission of the lab is to further our understanding of the relationship between biomechanics and human health and performance, and to disseminate this new information to UK students, the local community, and scientific community worldwide.

Location & Contact

Fan Gao, Ph.D., Director

Michael Samaan, Ph.D., Co-Director

161 Multidisciplinary Science Building

725 Rose Street

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY 40506-0082

(859) 257-4664

Lab Equipment

Motion Capture System

Motion Analysis Corporation

• 16 Eagle/Eagle 4 Motion Analysis Cameras
• 4 Raptor Motion Analysis Cameras
• Cortex
• EVaRT
• 3 Separate Data Capture Setups (1 Portable)

Force Plates

Kistler Instrument Corporation

• 2 Piezoelectric Force Platforms
• 2 Portable Piezoelectric Force Platforms

Bertec

• 2 Large Bertec Force Platforms

Electromyography

Noraxon USA, Inc.

MyoSystem 1400

• 12 Channel EMG
• 4 Channel Electrogoniometer

Delsys Corporation

• 16 Channel Delsys Bagnoli System

Treadmills

• Bertec Coorporation
  
  1 Dual-belt, Instrumented Treadmill
• Alter G
  
  1 Alter G Anti-Gravity Tread

Research Bikes

• RacerMate
  
  1 Velotron Elite Cycle Electromagnetic Ergometer
  
  2 Custom 2D Pedal Dynamometers

Software

• Velotron Coaching Software
• Velotron 3D Software

*Video, Force Plates, Force Pedals and EMG data have synchronized collection.

Video

SONY

• 2 Digital Camcorders

Analysis Software

• C-Motion
  
  Visual3D
• Innovision Systems Inc.
  
  MaxMate/Maxtraq – Movement Analysis Software
• HMA Technology, Inc.
  
  HUman Movement ANalysis Program (HU-M-AN)
• MathWorks, Inc.
  
  Matlab
• National Instruments
  
  LabView
• SPSS Statistical Software
• SASStatistical Software
• Delsys
  
  EMG Works

Others

• Polar Electro -USA
  
  1 SR800CX Heart Rate, Altitude Monitor
• Parvo Medics
  
  TrueOne 2400 Metabolic Cart
• Rep Fitness
  
  Kettlebells – 16 kg, 18 kg, 20 kg, 22 kg, 24 kg

Current Research

Gait Training in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

This study investigates the effectiveness of anti-gravity treadmill gait training on neuromuscular function, dynamic balance and gait in the population with Multiple Sclerosis.

Principal Investigator: Fan Gao, Ph.D.

Innovative Gait Training in Unilateral Transfemoral Amputees

In this project, an innovative robotic gait training is developed and implemented in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputees. Its performance is compared with traditional supervised treadmill gait training in enhancing neuromuscular characteristics of the hip abductors, reducing gait deviations and improving functional performance.

Principal Investigator: Fan Gao, Ph.D.

Effects of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS) on Hip Joint Mechanics, Cartilage and Bone Health

Patients with FAIS exhibit abnormal hip joint mechanics and severe hip pain yet the effects of FAIS on hip joint bone and cartilage health are not well understood. Our study utilizes advanced musculoskeletal modeling techniques, quantitative MRI and PET-imaging to develop an understanding of the relationship between hip joint mechanical loading, cartilage composition and subchondral bone remodeling. This information will aid in the development of interventions that can optimize hip joint mechanical loads, improve hip joint health and reduce hip pain in the FAIS population.

Principal Investigator: Michael Samaan, Ph.D.

Alterations in Hip Joint Stress Patterns After Aerobic Exercise in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis

Aerobic exercise is prescribed to patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) yet the effects of aerobic exercise on hip joint stress patterns, biochemical alterations in cartilage health and hip-related pain are not well documented. We will assess the changes in hip joint stress patterns and serum-based biomarkers of cartilage health after a 30-minute walking task (mechanical stress test) in patients with hip OA. In conjunction with hip muscle strength measures, we will use the results from our mechanical stress test to develop targeted exercise-based interventions that will reduce the effects of hip OA disease.

Principal Investigator: Michael Samaan, Ph.D.

Helpful Links

• Undergraduate Admission
• Graduate Admission
• Division of Physical Therapy
• Center for Biomedical Engineering
• Division of Athletic Training
• Official UK Athletics
• ASB – American Society of Biomechanics
• ACSM – American College of Sports Medicine
• APTA – American Physical Therapy Association
• ISB – International Society for Biomechanics
• ISBS – International Society for Biomechanics in Sports
• NATA – National Athletic Trainers’ Association
• NSCA – National Strength and Conditioning Association
• SENIAM – Surface ElectroMyoGraphy for the Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles