Gait Analysis Across the Decades of Healthy Participants

A research participant taking steps in an exercise lab while a researcher watches behind a computer.

Want to gain research experience in human health study and biomedical engineering-related equipment and software? Join us to explore gait! 

Project description

There can be significant differences in kinematics (joint angles) and temporal-spatial gait parameters, such as walking speed, step length, depending on age and sex. Many studies on gait analysis have been conducted with people that have pathologies in comparison to those without pathologies, to identify potential interventions that may improve gait abnormalities. The goal of this project is to establish laboratory norms on gait parameters of healthy participants. These data will be compared to data captured from those who have pathological gait, such as in spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury. Students will learn anatomical landmarks of the lower body for marker placement, the application of wireless EMG electrodes for muscle activity recordings all of which are integrated by the use of the Vicon Nexus system. that allows for the capture 3-D gait. Students can learn basic and advanced data processing.  Students with interests in rehabilitation, exercise physiology, engineering, bio-mechanics, or human factors for the study of human movement may participate.

Project outcome

Students may work on this project for course credit. Outcomes can be presented on department or university research day (e.g., J. Warren Perry Poster Day). 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Length of commitment can vary
Start time Anytime
In-person, remote, or hybrid?
In-person
Level of collaboration Individual or group project, depending on length of commitment
Benefits Research experience, academic credit
Who is eligible All undergraduate students 

Project mentor

Sue Ann Sisto

Professor and Chair

Rehabilitation Science

Phone: (716) 829-2609

Email: suesisto@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

Keywords

Rehabilitation Science