Empirical quantification of intersegmental spine neuromuscular function during dynamic movements

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My research program is designed to utilize novel methods to understand biomechanical and neurophysiological factors contributing to spine (dys)function. The goal of this grant cycle is to specifically focus on the advancement of methods to estimate of intersegmental spine kinematics and neuromuscular coordination non-invasively. This proposed research will propel future work within my research program designed to understand biomechanical impairments occurring at specific spine levels. The work proposed within this grant has two primary aims. Research studies within the first aim are designed to (i) investigate the functional meaning of back shape in the context of bony vertebral movement/orientation, and (ii) explore the functional relevance of simultaneous vs. sequential spine intersegmental flexion-extension coordination strategies. Combined, research studies within Aim 1 will iteratively refine existing non-invasive surface models designed to estimate intersegmental spine kinematics while also improving the basic biomechanical and neuromuscular understanding surrounding intersegmental movement coordination. Research studies within the second aim are designed to expand the ecological utility of the methods evaluated in Aim 1. Specifically, research studies have been designed to assess the utility of (i) inertial sensor and (ii) transfer-learning computer vision methods in the evaluation of dynamic back shape. By developing and validating these novel, low-cost approaches to estimate spine intersegmental kinematics, tools for assessing spine motor (dys)function will be more accessible within my field. These novel tools will directly support research within the Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSE) and will indirectly support diversity within my NSE subfield by lowering barriers associated with equipment cost, while concurrently allowing for the use of equipment outside of a conventional laboratory setting. This combination of novel basic science and computational modelling has the potential to greatly benefit the Canadian NSE fields for a variety of reasons. First, the targeted HQP training within this proposed research program will continue to expand and diversify the fields of spine biomechanics and neuromuscular control. Next, as the empirical quantification of intersegmental spine neuromuscular function during dynamic movements will now be possible using minimally invasive approaches, research within the aforementioned areas will be expanded to those with financial limits or those working outside of conventional laboratory environments. Finally, by evaluating the basic spatiotemporal strategies utilized in the coordination of intersegmental spine flexion-extension movement, researchers within my field will have an improved biological and mechanical understanding for how many anatomical, physiological and biomechanical factors contribute mechanistically to spine (dys)function during a variety of movement tasks and conditions.