Motion Analysis Laboratory

Our research group is interested in developing new and innovative treatments for the rehabilitation of children with neuromuscular impairments. Our current research projects address two main topics:

• Development of Sitting – determine how sitting postural control changes over time, and how these changes interrelate with learning and function.
• Walking Balance - quantifying how the neuromuscular impairments seen in children with cerebral palsy influence their ability to maintain a stable walking pattern.

Equipment:
The Laboratory is equipped with an eight camera, Vicon 3-D motion analysis system, 16 channel Motion Laboratory electromyography (EMG) system, and four AMTI (Advanced Mechanical Technology Inc.) force platforms installed in a 20 meter walkway. This system provides integrated motion, EMG and force platform information for analysis of gait.

A two camera videography system with digital effects generator, VCR and monitor to record dual channel video of gait is also available. The video system allows for studio quality, split screen videotapes for visual gait analysis.
The Lab is also equipped with a Biodex dynamometer for assessment of dynamic muscle strength, electrogoniometers, treadmill, partial weight support system for gait training and specialty force platforms for the assessment of sitting and standing balance.

Personnel:

Primary Investigators:	Regina Harbourne, PT, MS, PCS Max Kurz, PhD Wayne Stuberg, PT, PhD, PCS
Post-Doctoral Fellows:	Jill Lindstead, DPT
Research Clinicians:	Brad Corr, DPT Sandy Willett, PT, MS, PCS Amy Beyersdorf, PT

Collaborators:

Nicholas Stergiou, PhD, UNO Nebraska Core Biomechanics Facility
Tony Wilson, PhD, UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences
Cole Galloway, PT, PhD, University of Delaware
Stacey Dusing, PT, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University

Current Research Projects:

• Development of sitting posture: Evaluation of a perceptual-motor intervention and an intervention which adds stochastic noise to the sitting support surface, directed toward improving function in the sitting position and participation through play.
• Walking balance impairments of children with cerebral palsy: To evaluate how neuromuscular impairments influence the walking balance and rate of falls in children with cerebral palsy.
• Bodyweight support treadmill training: To evaluate the influence of a bodyweight support rehabilitation protocol in improving the walking balance and mobility of children with cerebral palsy.
• Improving balance in children with vestibular disorders: Evaluation of a rehabilitation protocol that evaluates if electrotactile balance feedback provided on the tongue can be used to improve the balance of children with vestibular disorders.

Recent Selected Publications:

1. Harbourne RT, Stergiou N (2009). Movement variability and the use of nonlinear tools: principles to guide physical therapist practice. Physical Therapy 89(3):267-82.
2. Deffeyes JE, Harbourne RT, Kyvelidou A, Stuberg WA, Stergiou N (2009). Nonlinear analysis of sitting postural sway indicates developmental delay in infants. Clinical Biomechanics, in press.
3. Kyvelidou A, Stuberg WA, Harbourne RT, Deffeyes JE, Blanke D, Stergiou N (2009). Development of upper body coordination during sitting in typically developing infants. Pediatric Research, in press.
4. Harbourne RT, Deffeyes JE, Kyvelidou A, Stergiou N (2009). Complexity of postural control in infants: linear and nonlinear features revealed by principal component analysis. Nonlinear Dynamics in Psychology and Life Sciences 13(1):123-44.
5. Volkman KG, Stergiou N, Stuberg W, Blanke D, Stoner J. (2009). Factors affecting functional reach scores in youth with typical development. Pediatric Physical Therapy 21(1):38-44.
6. Arellano CJ, O'Connor DP, Layne C, Kurz MJ (2009). The independent effect of added mass on the stability of the sagittal plane leg kinematics during steady-state human walking. Journal of Experimental Biology 212(12):1965-70. [PDF]
7. Arellano CJ, Layne CS, O'Connor DP, Scott-Pandorf M, Kurz MJ (2009). Does load carrying influence sagittal plane locomotive stability? Medicine Science in Sports and Exercise 41(3):620-7
8. Pothakos K, Kurz MJ, Lau YS. (2009). Restorative effect of endurance exercise on behavioral deficits in the chronic mouse model of Parkinson's disease with severe neurodegeneration. BMC Neuroscience 20(10):6.

Funding:
The Motion Analysis Lab receives research funding from a variety of sources including the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), the American Physical Therapy Association Section on Pediatrics, the Nebraska Research Initiative, the MMI Women's Guild and Alter-G Inc.

Media:
Device Shows Promise for Children with Balance Disorders,
Channel 7 News, Omaha, Nebraska
Brainport