Tools for the Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement

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My research career is focused on improving the utility of human movement data by creating innovative engineering tools for its analysis, classification and interpretation. Working with my students, and supported by Discovery Grant funding, my research has contributed significantly to the development of classification tools to detect differences in movement patterns and computational models to give these differences physical meaning. In addition to improving applied science, these tools have provided insight into the fundamental processes underlying a given movement pattern. The influence of this work is evident by the uptake of these methods in human movement research; however, there remains large barriers to the integration of human movement data in applied research and practical applications. Identifying and resolving these barriers is what currently motivates me and where the target of my current and future research has been set. Markerless motion capture is an emerging technology for estimating the 3D position and orientation (pose) of a human multibody model. Data can now be instantly collected anywhere that video cameras can record the subject, while virtually eliminating preparation time for the subject. There is no contact between the subject and the researcher, and subjects' data are collected while wearing their own clothing, removing the barrier of requiring minimal tight fitting clothing for research. To fully realize the potential of markerless motion capture and to take advantage of the new flexibility in raw data, the focus of my research program will be developing the next generation of biomechanical analysis tools. Increasing the automation of human movement data collection as a result of the adoption of computer vision and machine learning will substantially increase our ability to generate high quality data at volume in a fraction of the time for a fraction of the cost. Large scale, longitudinal data collections that have never before been possible in biomechanics due to the many limitations of existing technology will become achievable. We are developing tools that can assess movement throughout the natural environment. Eliminating unnecessary physical proximity through a completely contactless approach to biomechanical data collection is a significant advantage and will help researchers recruit a more diverse group of subjects because it overcomes many barriers to participation, including eliminating the need for minimalistic tight-fitting clothing, and the travel required to get to a motion laboratory. This work may finally allow the adoption of biomechanical tools into wider use, improving the study of clinical movement disorders, musculoskeletal diseases, injuries, and athletic performance.