Our Research
We produce quality human movement research in order to influence our community in real, applicable ways.
In this process, we further the kinesiological (human movement) field, by publishing our research in reputable, peer-reviewed journals.
We also make our findings accessible to the public through this website, in terms everyone can understand, so our community can know how to apply the research to their every-day lives.
Our Current Projects
Physical Activity & Quality of Life Study
To determine optimal physical activity for improving all aspects of what determines one’s quality of life.
Youth Running Mechanics and Cognitive Learning Study
Exploring the relationship between children’s walk, run, and sprint mechanics and how repetitive movement may be the key to cognitive learning.
Motor Behavior & Trauma Study
How does the trauma people experience affect the way they move; on a day-to-day basis as well as each minute?
Previous Projects
Homeless Physical Therapy Program
Providing free physical rehabilitation services for undeserved people in Santa Barbara, California. This program enabled our community, no matter their financial standing, access to rehabilitative care and recovery.
Senior Fall Prevention Study
Falls in the elderly are the #1 cause of morbidity. Fear of falling is the primary reason the elderly are limited in their mobility and thus quality of life. This study aims to correlate walking speed with fall risk and identify key strategies to teach optimal walking gait speed/cadence to reduce the risk for falling.
Community-based Adolescent Female Athlete Development Program
Based on current research literature, this study will seek to create an affordable, scalable, time-efficient and effective community-based solution to common lower extremity (hip/knee/ankle/foot) injuries in pre-adolescent and adolescent females who are active in any running-based activity or sport. Such a solution has not previously been identified.
Volleyball Jump & Landing Mechanics Study
Pain in the front of the knee is a common complaint amongst many jumping athletes, including volleyball players. Few studies have examined the detailed kinematics (movement characteristics of body parts) of the legs during the landing phase of volleyball players as they return to the ground from jumping at the net. Based on the findings of this study, we may have the tools to better teach kids & adults alike HOW to land in ways that will reduce their risk for developing pain and injury to the front of their knees.
Hip Strength & Performance
Hip strength is arguably one of the most important factors necessary for human locomotion, balance and thus quality of life. Recently, much attention has been given to emphasis the development of gluteal muscle strength for athletic performance, fitness, recreation & rehabilitation. However, the understanding of the best way to achieve gluteal muscle activation and progression of exercises based on exercise effectiveness is poorly understood. The goal of this study is to identify the best exercises, and the best way to do the exercises, that will optimize hip strength in the least amount of time. This study will utilize surface electromyography and high speed motion capture video in the laboratory.
Interested in getting involved in our future research projects?
Contact us for more information!