Innovative research methods in biomechanics

The development and dissemination of analysis tools ranging from basic data processing for undergraduate students to advanced vector field analysis based on statistical parametric mapping techniques.

Advanced statistics

Vector continuum schematic, depicting a mean two-muscle EMG waveform in blue along with inter-muscle dependence (EMG1-EMG2 covariance) and time-dependence (TIME-EMG smoothness). 

Biomechanical data range from discrete 0D scalars to complex 3D vectors (and beyond). Traditional analyses of biomechanical data typically reduces the complexity of the dataset by extracting “key scalars” to analyse with standard statistical analysis techniques. The problem with this approach is that the selection of the “key scalars” is inherently biased unless a hypothesis directly pertained to that key scalar at that instance in time.

Our research involves the analysis of n-D biomechanical data using statistical parametric mapping. We use traditional general linear models, for example t-test, ANOVA, regression to analyse biomechanical data but with the maintenance of time within the analysis fundamentally differentiating it from traditional analyses.

Primary contact

  • Dr Mark Robinson

Artificial neural networks

A set of unique methods to quantify deviation of movement from normality to support clinical decision-making using artificial intelligence. Software tools developed in our project are available as free downloads.

Characteristics of abnormal gait can be captured by quantifying the three dimensional joint angles, moments and powers of the lower limbs but the complexity of the resultant high dimensional data space makes data interpretation prone to bias. Self-organising neural networks can be used to map complex gait data onto a two dimensional topographic map, thereby improving the efficiency of decision-making in clinical gait analysis.

We have developed the Movement Deviation Profile which shows the deviation of an individual’s movement from normality in a single curve and a single number.

Our staff

  • Prof Gabor Barton
  • Dr Malcolm Hawken
  • Dr Mark Robinson
  • Jacob Beesley

Publication spotlights

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Knowledge exchange and policy making

Older Adults' and Professionals' Attitudes Towards Stair-Fall Prevention Interventions

Exploring the effects of wearing facemasks on stair safety characteristics in young adults

"I don't know if it makes a difference to safety?" perception vs actuality: A mixed-methods study on older adults' experiences of home stair falls revealed during COVID-19 lockdown

The effects of a sleeve knee brace during stair negotiation in patients with symptomatic patellofemoral osteoarthritis

A Novel Smart Shoe Instrumented with Sensors for Quantifying Foot Placement and Clearance during Stair Negotiation.

Stair-Fall Risk Parameters in a Controlled Gait Laboratory Environment and Real (Domestic) Houses: A Prospective Study in Faller and Non-Faller Groups

Accuracy and Precision of a Novel Photogate System to Measure Toe Clearance on Stairs

Underlying mechanisms of fall risk on stairs with inconsistent going size

Prediction of balance perturbations and falls on stairs in older people using a biomechanical profiling approach: A 12-month longitudinal study

The next step in optimising the stair horizontal-vertical illusion: Does a perception-action link exist in older adults?

Negotiating stairs with an inconsistent riser: Implications for stepping safety

Optimal lighting levels for stair safety: Influence of lightbulb type and brightness on confidence, dynamic balance and stepping characteristics

Community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairments show subtle visual attention costs when descending stairs

Mobile phone use impairs stair gait: A pilot study on young adults

 Stair negotiation behaviour of older individuals: Do step dimensions matter?

 Combined Resistance and Stretching Exercise Training Benefits Stair Descent Biomechanics in Older Adults

Centre of mass control is reduced in older people

A novel multivariate approach for biomechanical profiling of stair negotiation

Alternate stair descent strategies for reducing joint moment demands in older individuals

Explore the Biomechanics research group