Musculo-skeletal development and function

This research group aims to improve the mobility, independence and quality of life for ambulant children with physical disabilities.

We do this by determining the biomechanical, anatomical and neurophysiological mechanisms that underpin the functional impairment and can cause falls, so that we can devise and test targeted treatments and diagnostic tools. 

At the centre of these efforts is our longstanding collaboration between LJMU and the Gait Laboratory and Orthopaedics Department (North West Movement Analysis Centre) of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Members of the clinical teams hold honorary research positions at the University. 

This approach is applied when working with children with a range of musculo-skeletal disorders, including cerebral palsy, idiopathic toe walking and developmental coordination disorder.

Our studies quantify the structure, neural control and functional properties of the musculoskeletal system, the involvement and utilisation of the sensory systems to guide movement, clinical gait analysis, and advanced data analytics.

These measurements provide a mechanistic foundation that we integrate with translational studies within children’s daily lives.

In these ways we work to understand the underlying causes and real-life effects of functional impairment and falls so that treatments can be targeted to improve independence, mobility and quality of life.

Our staff

• Prof Tom O’Brien
• Prof Costis Maganaris
• Prof Bill Baltzopoulos
• Prof Gabor Barton
• Dr Rich Foster

Primary contact

• Prof Tom O’Brien