MOVCENTR E-Newsletter | January 2022

MEET THE MOVCENTR

Alli's Story

Alli has been working at the Biomechanics Research Building (BRB) for a little over a year. During her senior year as an undergraduate she interned with Dr. Jorge Zuniga. As a biomedical engineer was introduced to prosthetics and became very drawn to improving the quality of life for an amputee.

As a master’s student, Alli works with Dr. Aaron Likens. Alli feels that looking at amputees from a motor control perspective has greatly increased her skill set.

“Coming from an engineering background and now learning motor control, physics and math, it really broadens your skillset to attack research in different areas.”

Alli enjoys working in the graduate work area. She feels it has created a wonderful support system and lifelong friends. Additionally, she feels the BRB is a great community with an endless number of resources.

Alli’s Advice for Future Students

“Ask questions to people in the field and in the industry. Find out what opportunities are available.”

SAVE THE DATES: MAY 18-22, 2022

This year’s conferences will offer a hybrid format and have both an in-person and a virtual component. This will be a two-day event plus one virtual day and pre-conference workshops.

Featuring Keynote Speakers:

• Great Plains Biomechanics Keynote Speaker: Dr. Andre Seyfarth, Technical University of Darmstadt
• Human Movement Variability Barry T. Bates Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jaap Van Dieen, VU Amsterdam

Activity Schedule overview:

• Tours of the BRB, socials, keynote presentations, poster and podium presentations and awards
• Pre-Conference Workshops, May 16-17, 2022:

• Phase Space Reconstruction, Measure Phase Space Dynamics, Measures of Uncertainty, Fractals and Multifractals
• Virtual Poster Presentations, presented by Podium
• Livestream for keynote and podium presentations
  

Seminar Series

The Seminar Series promotes high quality research each Friday during the academic year. The focus of the seminar series is to call for experts related to academia and research in the areas related to biomechanics, variability, motor disorders, physical therapy, and related studies.

For the spring semester are very excited to host speakers from the University of South Carolina, Boston University, University of Connecticut, University of California Merced and more!

RESEARCH CORE EQUIPMENT

3D X-RAY Tomography Systems

The RX Solutions EasyTom is a powerful CT System designed to address the most challenging 3D applications ranging from material research to industrial applications in R&D, quality assurance and production. With its large scanning volume but compact footprint, it is possible to visualize, measure and analyze, with high resolution, large components, or assemblies, up to 320 mm in diameter and 530 mm in height. With an ultimate resolution down to 0.4 µm and multiple generators & detectors choices, EasyTom gives sharp details and the balanced contrast and brightness needed for high quality imaging even at low energy.

STORIES

Medtronic is funding a collaboration between UNMC and UNO’s COBRE Junior Investigator Dr. Carolin Curtze.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms of PD include the clinical triad of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, and typically lead to the initial diagnosis. While there is yet no cure for PD, medical and surgical therapies have been developed that effectively target the motor symptoms of PD. The aim of the study funded by Medtronic is to determine the effects of a new pattern of deep brain stimulation on the motor symptoms associated with PD. Building on the next generation of neurostimulator technology research stimulations patterns are being delivered while capturing the patients’ brain signals. The protocol involves assessing patients’ limb movements (e.g., tremor, bradykinesia), postural sway, and walking and turning using wearable sensors. The study led by Aviva Abosch, MD, PhD, (UNMC Department of Neurosurgery), in collaboration with co-investigators Danish Bhatti, MD (UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences), and Carolin Curtze, PhD (MOVCENTR Junior Investigator).

RESEARCH CORES

Machining and Prototyping Core
Dr. Brian Knarr, Core Director
Contact: bmchmpcore@unomaha.edu

The Machining and Prototyping Core Facility involves the use of three major facilities within the University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics Research Building: The Machine Shop, Design Studio, and the 3D Printing Laboratory. The most basic function of the Core is to provide services that utilize these spaces and their personnel and equipment. These services are for professional in the University of Nebraska system, the local area, but also to people outside our state to progress their research or other projects. This core can design, prototype, manufacture and repair, maintain, or install a wide range of devices and instrumentation.

Movement Analysis Core
Dr. David Kingston
Contact: bmchmovan@unomaha.edu

The Movement Analysis Core provides resources, education, advisement and services related to the analysis of human movement. Equipment such as motion capture, dynamometry, electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, virtual reality and high-speed digital video are provided. Contact the core for a comprehensive PDF of our facilities, resources and services.

Nonlinear Analysis Core
Dr. Aaron Likens, Core Director
Contact: bmchnonan@unomaha.edu

The Nonlinear Analysis Core provides resources and services necessary for innovative analysis of human movement. These methods go beyond averages by looking at the time-varying characteristics of a time signal. The Core provides access to a multitude of nonlinear analysis tools, assistance in experimental design, data processing, quality assurance, interpretation and dissemination. The Core is also actively exploring and validating new techniques and algorithms for future use. In addition to our nonlinear methods, standard analyses can also be performed.