Awards & News

New Positions:

  • Dr Mark Redfern is the Interim Chair, Department of Bioengineering
  • Dr Kurt Beschorner is the Associate Chair of Graduate Student Professional Development
  • Dr Kurt Beschorner has been awarded tenure (ie Associate Professor with tenure)
  • Dr Rakie Cham has been promoted from Associate Professor to Professor
  • Dr Rakie Cham was named Past President, American Society of Biomechanics
  • Anna Bailes is the American Society of Biomechanics Student representative to Executive Board 

Grants:

  • NIOSH 2R01OH010940 (PI’s: Kurt Beschorner, Bioengineering, and Carolyn Sommerich: Industrial & Systems Engineering, Ohio State): Preventing Slips in Food Service: Development of Tools for Shoe Selection and Replacement
  • New Pepper Center (PIs: Rakie Cham and Tyagi; Co-investigators: Sparto, Conner, Perera, and Redfern): Sleep and Mobility in Glaucoma
  • Niosh R21 (PI: Rakie Cham)
  • 1R41AR079357-01A1 National Institute of Health (PIs: Bell and McClincy), CuffLink: Remotely Monitored Rotator Cuff Repair Rehabilitation at Home
  • 1U24AR076730 (PI: Bowden; Co-Investigator: Bell), Collaborative utilization and assessment of biomechanics technologies within the BACPAC consortium
  • 1U24AR076730 (PI: Psioda; Co-Investigator: Bell), The BEST Trial (Biomarkers for Evaluating Spine Treatments) 

Student Awards:

  • Anna Bailes (graduate student)
    • BMES Travel Award

Other Notable Accomplishments:

Publications:

  • Randolph AB, Reifler K, Chadha V, Jacobs TDB, Beschorner KE; The need for better metrics for floor-tile topography: Conventional metrics correlate only modestly with walking friction; Tribology International,vol. 193, p. 109366, 2024.
  • Rekant J, Rothenberger S, Chambers A; Obesity-Specific Considerations for Assessing Gait with Inertial Measurement Unit-Based vs. Optokinetic Motion Capture; Sensors, vol. 24, p. 1232, 2024. 
  • Beschorner KE, Nasarwanji M, Deschler C, Hemler SL; Prospective validity assessment of a friction prediction model based on tread outsole features of slip-resistant shoes; Applied Ergonomics, vol. 114, p. 104110, 2024.
  • Suri A, VanSwearingen J, Baillargeon EM, Crane BM, Moored KD, Carlson MC, Dunlap P, Donahue PT, Redfern MS, Brach JS, Sejdic E; Association of Gait Quality with Daily-Life Mobility: An Actigraphy and Global Positioning System Based Analysis in Community-Dwelling Older Adults; IEEE Trans Biomed Engineering, Early Access, vol. 71(1), pp. 130-138, 2023. 
  • Beschorner K, Ing H, Chadha V, Randolph A, Reifler K, Jacobs T; Shoe-floor friction is predicted by high-frequency material properties and small-scale floor topographical features; Footwear Science, vol. 15(sup1), pp. S82-S83, 2023. 
  • Bohlke K, Perera S, Baillargeon EM, Redfern MS, Sparto PJ, Sejdic E, Rosso AL; Exercise Interventions, postural control, and prefrontal cortex activation in older adults; Brain and Cognition, vol. 171, p. 106063, 2023.
  • Bohlke K, Zhu X, Sparto PJ, Redfern MS, Rosano C, Sejdic E, Rosso AL; The Effect of a Verbal Cognitive Task on Postural Sway Does Not Persist When the Task is Over; Sensors, vol. 23(16), p. 7218, 2023.
  • McNeish BL, Dittus K, Mossburg J, Krant N, Steinharter JA, Feb K, Cote H, Hehir MK, Reynolds R, Redfern MS, Rosano C, Richardson JK, Kolb N; Executive function is associated with balance and falls in older cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy: A  cross-sectional study; Journal of Geriatric Oncology, vol. 14(8), p. 101637, 2023.
  • Quirk DA, Johnson M, Anderson D, Smuck M, Sun R, Matthew R, Bailey J, Marras W, Bell K, Darwin J, Bowden A; Biomechanical Phenotyping of Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol for BACPAC; Pain Medicine, vol. 24(1), pp. S48-S60, 2023.
  • Riffitts M, Oh A, Patel V, Smith CN, Murati S, Bailes A, Allen M, Dombrowski M, Lee JY, Donaldson III WF, Clark WW, Bell K; Functional range of motion of the cervical spine in cervical fusion patients during activities of daily living; Journal of Biomechanics, vol. 152, p. 111528, 2023. 
  • Vo NV, Piva SR, Patterson CG, McKernan GP, Zhou L, Bell KM, Anderst W, Greco CM, Schneider MJ, Delitto A, Dicianno BE, Darwin J, Sowa GA; Toward the Identification of Distinct Phenotypes: Research Protocol for the Low Back Pain Biological, Biomechanical, and Behavioral Cohort Study and the BACPAC Mechanistic Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh; Pain Medicine, vol. 24(1), pp. S36-S47, 2023.
  • Beschorner KE, Randolph AB; Friction performance of resilient flooring under contaminant conditions relevant to healthcare settings; Applied Ergonomics, vol. 108, p. 103960, 2023.
  • Beschorner KE, Chanda A, Moyer BE, Reasinger A, Griffin SC, Johnston IM; Validating the ability of a portable shoe-floor friction testing device, NextSTEPS, to predict human slips; Applied Ergonomics, vol. 106, p. 103854, 2023.
  • Deschler CL, Pliner EM, Sturnieks DL, Lord SR, Beschorner KE; Correlations between reach, lean and ladder tipping risk; Journal of Biomechanics, vol. 150, p. 111508, 2023.
  • Griffin SC, Williams V, Vidic N, Beschorner KE; During roof-to ladder transitions, walk-through extensions modify required friction direction; Journal of Biomechanics, vol. 159, p. 111780, 2023.
  • Hemler SL, Beschorner KE; Validation of a portable shoe tread scanner to predict slip risk; Journal of Safety Research, vol. 86, pp. 5-11, 2023. 
  • Suri S, VanSwearingen J, Dunlap P, Redfern MS, Rosso AL, Sejdić E; Facilitators and Barriers to Real-Life Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Narrative Review of Accelerometry and Global Positioning System-Based Studies; Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, vol. 34(8), pp. 1733-1746, 2022. 
  • Rekant J, Rothenberger S, Chambers AJ; Validation of Inertial Measurement Unit-Based Motion Capture with a Single Calibration File for Assessing Gait in Healthy Young Adults; Measurement, SSRN, 2022.
  • Ma CZH, Bao T, DiCesare CA, Harris I, Chambers A, Shull PB, Zheng YP, Cham R, Sienko KH; Reducing Slip Risk: A Feasibility Study of Gait Training with Semi-Real-Time Feedback of Foot-Floor Contact Angle; Sensors, vol. 22(10), p. 3641, 2022.
  • Brach JS, Perera S, Shuman V, Gil AB, Kriska A, Nadkarni NK, Rockette-Wagner B, Cham R, VanSwearingen JM; Effect of Timing and Coordination Training on Mobility and Physcical Activity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults A Randomized Clinical Trial; JAMA Network Open, vol. 5(5), p. 32212921, 2022.
  • Karabin MJ, Sparto PJ, Rosano C, Redfern MS; Impact of strength and balance on functional gait assessment performance in older adults; Gait Posture, vol. 91, pp. 306-311, 2022. 
  • Hemler SL, Pliner EM, Redfern MS, Haight JM, Beschorner KE; Effects of natural shoe wear on traction performance: a longitudinal study; Footwear Science, vol. 14(1), pp. 1-12, 2022.
  • Riffitts M, Cook H, McClincy M, Bell K; Evaluation of a Smart Knee Brace for Range of Motion and Velocity Monitoring during Rehabilitation Exercises and an Exergame; Sensors, vol. 22(24), p. 9965, 2022.
  • Wawrose RA, Couch BK, Dombrowski M, Chen SR, Oyekan A, Dong Q, Wang D, Zhou C, Chen J, Modali K, Johnson M, Sedor-Schiffhauer Z, Hitchens TK, Jin T, Bell KM, Lee JY, Sowa GA, Vo NV; Percutaneous lumbar annular puncture: A rat model to study intervertebral disc degeneration and pain-related behavior; Jor Spine, vol. 5(2), p. e1202, 2022.
  • Bharthi R, Sukinik JR, Hemler SL, Beschorner KE; Shoe Tread Wear Occurs Primarily during Early Stance and Precedes the Peak Required Coefficient of Friction; Footwear Science, vol. 14(3), pp. 219-228, 2022.
  • Griffin SC, Hemler SL, Beschorner KE; Investigating the Influence of Spatiotemporal Gait Characteristics on Shoe Wear Rate; IISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors, vol. 10(1), pp. 1-6, 2022.
  • Meehan EE, Vidic N, Beschorner KE; In contrast to slip-resistant shoes, fluid drainage capacity explains friction performance across shoes that are not slip-resistant; Applied Ergonomics, vol. 100, p. 103663, 2022.
  • Williams DD, Beschorner KE, Sturnieks DL, Lord SR, Pliner EM; Situational factors that influence overreaching on a ladder during a gutter clearing task among older adults; Applied Ergonomics, vol. 104, p. 103794, 2022.

Conference Proceedings/Abstracts:

  • Griffin SC, Beschorner KE: A static model predicts roof-to-ladder transition friction requirements. International Society of Biomechanics, Fukuoka, Japan; July 30-August 3, 2023.
  • Griffin SC, Williams V, Beschorner KE: Body orientation and frictional requirements of roof-to-ladder transitions. International Society of Posture and Gait Research, Brisbane, Australia; July 9-13, 2023.
  • Williams V, Griffin S, Beschorner K: Evidence for Modifying Extension Ladder Design to Reduce Slipping Risk. XXIX Congress of International Society of Biomechanics, Fukuoka, Japan; July 30-August 3, 2023.
  • Williams V, Cahir B, Beschorner K: Extension Ladder Missteps: Foot Placement Corrections as an Unanticipated Outcome Measure in a Pilot Study. International Society of Posture and Gait Research World Congress 2023, Brisbane, Australia; July 9-13, 2023.
  • Beschorner KE, Ing H, Chadha V, Randolph A, Reifler K, Jacobs T: Shoe-floor friction is predicted by high-frequency material properties and small-scale floor topographical features. Footwear Biomechanics Symposium, Osaka, Japan; July 26-28, 2023.
  • Gallagher KM, Chambers AJ, Lin J, Jacobs K, Robertson MM: Ergonomics Advances in Office Work and Work-from-Home. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), Washington, DC; October 23 - 27, 2023.
  • Rekant J, Wilson Z, Chambers AJ: Fatigability and Physical Activity Level in Middle-Aged Adults with Obesity. Proceedings of the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB), Knoxville, TN; August 8-11, 2023. 
  • Wilson Z, Rick N, Methven D, Chambers AJ: Muscle Oxygenation Patterns During At-Home and Laboratory Light Intensity Walking. Proceedings of the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB), Knoxville, TN; August 8-11, 2023. 
  • Rekant J, Wilson Z, Chambers AJ: Patterns in Muscle Oxygenation Response to a Plantarflexion Fatigability Task in Middle-Aged Adults with Obesity. Proceedings of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Denver, CO; May 30 – June 2, 2023.
  • Wilson Z, Rick N, Methven D, Chambers AJ: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Muscle Oxygenation Dynamics During Light and Moderate Controlled Walking. Proceedings of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Denver, CO; May 30 – June 2, 2023. 
  • Rekant J, Chambers AJ: Higher Physical Activity Level is Associated with Smaller Ground Reaction Forces During Gait in Middle-Aged Adults with Obesity. Proceedings of the 2023 International Society for Posture and Gait Research (ISPGR) World Congress, Brisbane, Australia; July 9 – 13, 2023. 
  • Rekant J, Chambers AJ, Suri A, Hergenroeder A, Sejdic E, Brach J: Weekly Minutes of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity is Associated with Movement Quality in Overweight and Obese Older Adults. Translational Science at The Association for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC; April 18-20, 2023. 
  • Beschorner KE, Hemler SL, Seigel J, Sundaram V, Haight JM, Redfern MS: Developing a Test for When Worn Shoes Should be Replaced - Research to Practice. NOIRS; May 10-12, 2022. 
  • Bailes AH, Cook H, Johnson M, Cham R, Redfern MS, Sowa G, Bell KM: Accuracy of Novel Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) to Assess Spine Kinematics During a Sit-to-Stand Task in Individuals with Low Back Pain. Orthopedic Research Society Annual Meeting; February 2022. 
  • Suri A, VanSwearingen J, Baillargeon EM, Crane BM, Carlson MC, Moore KD, Dunlap P, Donahue P, Redfern MS, Brach JS, Sejdic E, Rosso A: Association of Gait Quality with Daily Life Mobility: An Actigraphy and Global Positioning System Based Analysis in Older Adult. 8th International Conference on Ambulatory Monitoring of Physical Activity and Movement (ICAMPAM) by the International Society for the Measurement of Physical Behavior (ISMPB); June 2022. 
  • Bohlke K, Sparto PJ, Redfern MS, Rosso AL: Intervention Results in Higher Randomness of Postural Control Accelerations During Dual-Task Conditions. 8th International Conference on Ambulatory Monitoring of Physical Activity and Movement (ICAMPAM) by the International Society for the Measurement of Physical Behavior (ISMPB); June 2022. 
  • Bick NA, Redfern MS, Conner IP, Wollstein G, O’Connell C, Cham R: Step-to-step Gait Symmetry in Mild-to-Moderate Glaucoma. NACOB; August 2022. 
  • Bailes AH, Johnson M, Redfern MS, Cook H, Bell K: Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain Show Decreased Gait Asymmetry Despite Intact Gait Speed. NACOB; August 2022. 
  • Karabin MJ, Redfern MS, Geyer H: Model Analysis of Abnormal Foot Placement Responses in People with Vestibular Loss. NACOB; August 2022. 
  • Karabin MJ, Weger J, Sparto PJ, Rosano C, Redfern MS: Functional Gait Assessment Performance in Older Adults Associated with Wearable Sensor Derived Metrics. ISPGR, Montreal; July 2022. 
  • Bick N, Redfern M, Conner I, Wollstein G, Chan K, O’Connell C, Cham R: Step-to-Step Gait Symmetry in Mild-to-Moderate Glaucoma. Poster Presentation and Published in the Proceedings of the North American Congress on Biomechanics (NACOB) Meeting, Ottawa, Canada; August 2022. 
  • Ganesh S, Holland GA, Dickey KS, Cham R: Developing a Method for Quantifying Hand Movements in the Purdue Pegboard Task. Poster presentation and Published in the Proceedings of the North American Congress on Biomechanics (NACOB) Meeting, Ottawa, Canada; August 2022. 
  • Cham R, Bick N, Redfern M, Jennings JR, Eack S, Iverson J: Gait in Sensory Challenging Conditions in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Podium Presentation and Published in the Proceedings of the International Society of Posture and Gait Research (ISPGR) Meeting, Montréal, Canada; July 2022. (Additionally, published in a special issue of Gait and Posture)
  • Bailes AH, Cook H, Johnson M, Cham R, Redfern M, Sowa G, Bell K: Accuracy of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) to Assess Spine Kinematics During a Sit-to-Stand Task in Individuals with Low Back Pain. Poster Presentation and Published in the Proceedings of Orthopaedic Research Society World Congress; February 2022. 
  • Rekant J, Chambers AJ: Assessing Balance Differences Among Physically Active and Inactive Adults with Obesity. UPMC Aging Institute Research Day, Pittsburgh, PA; November 9, 2022. 
  • Rekant J, Zuris E, Chambers AJ: Validation of Inertial Measurement Unit-Based Motion Capture for Assessing Kinematics of Gait in Adults with Obesity. Proceedings of the 2022 North American Congress on Biomechanics (NACOB), Ottowa, Canada; August 21-25, 2022. 
  • Rekant J, Chambers AJ: Assessment of Balance Performance Differences Among Physically Active and Inactive Adults with Obesity. Proceedings of the 2022 International Society for Posture and Gait Research (ISPGR), Montreal, Canada; July 3-7, 2022. 
  • Rekant J, Wilson Z, Chambers AJ: The Relationship Between Weight Shifts, Discomfort and Seated Breaks during Standing. Proceedings of the 2022 National Occupational Injury Research Symposium (NOIRS), Morgantown, WV; May 10-12, 2022. 
  • Cook HA, Pashaj X, Firdous A, Lee JY, Sowa GA, Bell KM, Vo NV: Development of a High Throughput Bioreactor for Testing Rodent Functional Spinal Units Under Compressive Loading. 48th ISSLS Annual Meeting, Boston; May 9th-13th, 2022. [Poster #3166]. 
  • Riffitts M, Ruh E., McClincy MP, Bell KM: Gamification Elements and System Features of an Interactive Health Technology in Adolescent ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation [Poster]. Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Annual Meeting 2022, San Antonio, Texas; 2022.