Mechanics of Shoulder Demands and Associated Tissue Responses

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Shoulder function is crucial for human life, but many uncertainties remain concerning how the shoulder enables a broad spectrum of activities without being damaged. In our modern world, damage to vulnerable shoulder tissues may cause decreased fulfillment, independence, quality of life, and productivity. The guiding vision of my research program is to produce needs-based societal advances by clarifying how shoulder tissues are damaged. Success in achieving this vision can improve many aspects of working and daily life. Shoulders are complex mechanical systems. This complicates simplified conclusions about how they operate and fail. My research aims to address fundamental gaps in shoulder mechanics through three objectives, which cooperatively support development of biomechanical models to assess potential damage scenarios. Objective 1: Unprecedented insight into intramuscular recruitment patterns: Muscles of the shoulder have often been simplified regarding their contributions to movement and functional task performance. Expanded characterization of regions of the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi, and subsequently the rhomboids and trapezius, will clarify the roles of these multi-function muscles and resolve questions surrounding neuromuscular control at the sub-muscle level. Objective 2: Fatigue responses in the context of external arm support: Muscular fatigue is a primary factor in altering typical shoulder mechanics. We will use new methods to define changes in arm motions, combined with advanced muscle activity data to characterize fatigue progression. This evaluation will also consider the efficacy of external arm support, which is emerging as a popular intervention, via assessing the efficacy of an exoskeleton to reduce fatigue responses across a variety of task types. Objective 3: Refining tendon damage mechanisms for realistic exposures: The consequences of real-world tendon loading caused by high arm mobility are unclear. We will expand work with our unique animal model setup by applying more intricate and realistic tendon loading profiles, including previously untested but dangerous bony contact and twisting forces. Producing this new data will help determine new applied strategies to avoid tendon damage. In summary, shoulder mechanics - from bone movement to specific tissue loads and failure modes - will be assessed with integrative, cutting edge approaches. The primary datasets produced will be used to enhance our advanced computational biomechanical model of the shoulder, increasing its accuracy and utility across many applications. Trainees exiting my program will have a powerful set of biomechanical and technical skills to contribute broadly in industry and academia alike. Ultimately, combining the fundamental shoulder mechanics insights gained and persistent pursuit of my vision of practical solutions will continue to translate into tangible strategies for maintaining shoulder and arm function for all Canadians.