Evaluating the Effects of Fatigue and Bracing on Knee Kinematic and Kinetic Measures

The overall purpose of this research is to measure the effect of lower extremity muscular fatigue and bracing on the hip, knee, and ankle joint biomechanics in two different populations; i) those at risk of ACL injury and ii) those with early onset osteoarthritis. This topic is significant because muscle fatigue is often considered as a risk factor for injuries to the knee
The two main objectives of this study are: i) quantify the effect of an Ossur knee brace on the motions of the knee joint in a fatigued and non-fatigued state; and ii) implement this knowledge to design a novel brace with embedded wearable sensors to track fatigue and joint motions in real-time.
We will recruit 40 participants (20 young [15-20 years] athletes and 20 older adults [35-50 years] with early onset osteoarthritis). Using a motion tracking system, force plates, and instruments to measure muscle activation, joint motions, ground reaction forces, and muscle activation patterns will be quantified, respectively. Participants will perform complex multi-planar movements in a fatigued and un-fatigued state, with and without the OSSUR knee brace.

Faculty Supervisor:

Timothy Burkhart;David Wasserstein

Student:

Partner:

Össur Canada Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biotechnology

University:

University of Toronto

Program: