Figure Skating
Past projects include: 1) studying the take-off biomechanics of the quadruple toe-loop, 2) comparing techniques used to complete the triple Lutz double toe-loop as compared to the triple Lutz triple toe-loop, and 3) studying the split triple twist and split double twist.
Landing Strategies
Another focus of research in the lab has been landing strategies used by children and athletes under different conditions.
One project involved studying the effects of fatigue on lower extremity mechanics during stop and go tasks. High speed video was taken of athletes performing stop and go skills while forces were measured with force plates. 3D computer models were created of the athletes' cutting leg and joint moments were determined.
Related projects have included studying the effects of a training program on lower extremity mechanics in children in landing and jumping and differences in landing mechanics in male and female high school soccer players.
Putting
Several faculty in the department are interested in biomechanics of golfing. One faculty member was studying the effect of putting grip on the putting stroke, more specifically the consistency of the stroke as measured by putter face angle, putter head velocity, and ball impact position.
Back Squat Technique
As part of a research team project, several undergraduate and graduate students studied the effect of back squat technique on muscle activity and joint mechanics. Specifically, knee and hip torques and reaction forces.
Running Biomechanics and Economy
Dan Craighead, currently getting his PhD in exercise physiology at PhD completed, as an undergraduate, a study on the effects of a novel running mechanics class, MidStance to MIdStance Running (MMR) on running technique and economy. The MMR running instructional method was developed by Nick Lehecka who was an integral member of the Finger Lakes Running and Triathlon Company before moving to Boston. The study was recently accepted for publication in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.