Biomechanics of the interaction between the musculoskeletal system and the worn environment.

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This research program is the first systematic biomechanical examination of the interaction between what one wears and the underlying anatomy. Worn items often have the role of bearing load or dissipating loads applied to the body. This includes footwear, helmets and face masks, body protection and garments that assist movement and enhance our physical abilities. The loads applied to these items are ultimately transferred to the musculoskeletal system. The effectiveness, comfort and efficiency of how these items perform are fundamentally tied to the proper transfer of load. Improper fit or relative motion between the worn item and the underlying anatomy will compromise performance. This research program will directly measure the relative motion between worn items and underlying anatomy. It will also measure the contact pressures between the worn item and the skin and will calculate the internal stress state of the musculature and soft tissue. Of particular interest will be footwear and in-shoe orthotics, helmets with face protection, and assistive devices for off-loading or protecting the joints. By understanding the transfer of external loads to internal anatomy, the design and fit of these worn items can be optimized. To goal of optimization would be to maximize mobility and speed of ambulation, maximize protection from injury and maximize comfort. This research program studies living test volunteers who are fully weight-bearing and moving during functional activities. The main method used will be bi-plane fluoroscopic radio-stereometric analysis, or fRSA. This is a 3D x-ray system that can capture the motion of the bone and the worn item simultaneously during an impact or other event. The worn item will also be instrumented with accelerometers and strain gauges to measure the deformation and forces within the worn item. A pressure pad on the skin, under the worn item, will measure the distribution of pressure at the interface of the item and the anatomy. Using all this data will be a finite element analysis of the worn item and the underlying anatomy. The ultimate goal is the improvement of these items so that they maximize safety and minimize the loads transferred into the body.