Research

Advancing the science of human movement is at the forefront of what we do. Browse the latest research published by members of our center, including visiting scholars, faculty and students.

Current Projects

Soccer Cleat Study

Market-available soccer footwear is historically designed according to male athlete mechanics. With known sex differences in movement patterns, joint moments, and joint loading between sex, it should not be assumed that the female body is able to withstand the same amount of rotational and translational traction as do males.

We think that soccer cleats could play a key role in moderating female athletes’ exposure to torsional injury mechanisms, such as those related to ACL injury. Ongoing research into looks to how individual traction characteristics can be best suited to the lower extremity mechanics of the female athlete, inclusive of stud length, stud shape and stud positioning. Research over the course of this dissertation will eventually lead to the design of a customized traction plate for the female soccer player, with the intent of reducing knee loading and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Stanford ELITE Study Collaboration

The ELITE study is an international collaboration aimed at discovering the genetic determinants of physical fitness in the world’s most elite endurance athletes. We hope to distinguish the role of genetic predisposition from environmental factors such as training.

The ELITE study aims to uncover the genetic determinants of human aerobic performance. We will recruit 10,000 athletes with maximal aerobic capacity in the top 1% of the population. We hope that understanding the genetic basis of maximal aerobic capacity will provide insights into the mechanistic underpinnings of human endurance performance.

person running with sensor on shoe

Longitudinal Running Study

This project is using machine learning algorithms to develop models for estimation of ground reaction forces during running using inertial measurement units (IMUs) as input, and force-instrumented insoles as the model standard. Data from an initial sample of community runners have been collected in a variety of running conditions, including fixed-pace runs on a track, prescribed outdoor runs over various terrain and grades, and validation runs on a force-instrumented treadmill. Outcomes of the study should lead to improved models of injury prevention and prediction of training performance.

Integration of Shear Sensors into Sports Equipment

We have recently developed a new optical-based sensor, which measures shear forces based on relative changes in absorption of specific light wavelengths reflected from a unique color pattern. Comparatively, this sensor is smaller, lighter weight, and requires less power than previous capacitance-based shear sensors. We are currently working to integrate this sensor into various sportswear applications.

Past Projects

2019-2022

Integration of Biomechanics-based Informatics for Prevention of Stress Fractures

December 2020

A Simulation Based Framework for Informing Prosthetic Foot Design, Mike McGeehan, PhD

Development of Flexible Control Systems for Assistive Devices, Seth Donahue, PhD

June 2019

The Influence of Internal and External Factors Contributing to Metatarsophalangeal Joint Mechanics and Their Effects on Running Economy, Evan Day, Ph.D.

March 2018

Lower Extremity Joint Stiffness, Energy Generation, and Transfer in Walking and Running Gait, Li Jin, Ph.D.