Video Library

Biomechanics Day at the Neuromotor Behavior Lab

At the Neuromotor Behavior Lab at the University of Delaware, we study motor learning, which is the process people use to learn and remember new movement patterns. Studying motor learning is important because if we can understand how people learn new movements, we can better help rehabilitate patients who need to re-learn how to perform everyday movements such as walking and reaching after a neurologic injury, such as a stroke. Using advanced laboratory instruments, we can precisely measure numerous aspects of movement, to quantify the amount and rate of motor learning in various patient populations. Through our research, we can use these techniques to inform physical therapists of the best motor learning processes to provide the highest quality care to their patients. Principal Investigators: Dr. Darcy Reisman and Dr. Susanne Morton

UD Athletics Partner with Researchers for Concussion Baseline Testing

Faculty and student researchers in the department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology have been working with the University of Delaware Intercollegiate Athletic Department to conduct concussion baseline testing and post-injury assessments. Data collected from the Blue Hen athletes helps the College of Health Sciences research team by improving concussion management through science and research techniques. And when a student athlete gets injured, the clinician, athletic trainer and team physician have the athlete’s individual baseline to compare and determine when it’s safe to return to play.

Virtual Reality Balance Study at UD

The virtual reality balance study at the University of Delaware study looks at how children with and without cerebral palsy (CP) control their balance during walking. The researchers also examine whether their balance control can be improved through the application of a new treatment modality called stochastic resonance stimulation, a very low-intensity, barely perceptible stimulation technique.

Measuring Gait In and Out of the Lab

The Gait Biomechanics Lab at the University of Delaware aims to better understand how individuals walk and what factors influence someone’s walking ability. We use laboratory techniques to get precise measurements of joint movements and forces with cameras and force plates. We are developing new methods to better understand how real-world gait affects long-term joint health using inertial measurement units.

UD Physical Therapy, Independence test functional level of amputees

The Amputee Clinic at the University of Delaware Department of Physical Therapy works with Independence Prosthetics and Orthotics to formalize objective measures for patients so that their functional level can be documented. This aids the patients in determining what level of prosthetics they are eligible for through insurance – the clinic has a 99% success rate in getting prosthetics covered. Patients are seen by the UD physical therapists, prosthetists from Independence and a physician from Christiana Care. The clinic also serves as a training ground for prosthetic and physical therapy students at UD. Independence CEO John Horne has donated $300,000 to the clinic to fund postdoctoral researchers to process the data collected in order to help publicize it in literature and research papers.

Learn more about the PT clinic: https://sites.udel.edu/pt and Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics, Inc.: https://www.independencepo.com/

UD’s Innovation Health & Design Lab

The primary mission of the Innovation Health & Design Lab in the University of Delaware’s College of Health Sciences is to improve health outcomes and quality of life for various patient populations through design. Led by Martha Hall, the lab’s research starts with patients and empathy, meeting with members of the community to design, develop and test wearables that will enhance patient health and overall wellbeing. Wearables include clothing, wearable technology, protective equipment and rehabilitative or medical devices. Its goal is to design wearables that address the broad spectrum of patients’ needs and to highlight the importance of patient-centered design in health sciences.