Biomechanics Core

University Of Michigan At Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The Biomechanics Core (BC) will facilitate the training of investigators in the conduct of new and expanded research on how metabolic disease and inflammation interact with age-related disease to determine key health outcomes. The Specific Aims include: providing interdisciplinary expertise, training and technical support for the biomechanical and other physiological aspects of Research Career Development, a Pilot Exploratory Study, a Developmental Project (DP-1) and 10 External Projects (EPs, Aim 1); providing individual guidance on (Aim 2) and evaluating methods (Aim 3) related to mobility and functional status, the biomechanics of aging, and to the training of geriatric physicians and other clinicians in the biomechanics relevant to impaired mobility, falls and fall-related injuries, urinary incontinence and prolapse in the older adults; and assisting with computer modeling and simulation related to the above goals (Aim 4). BC-supported investigators will have substantial access to the UM Biomechanics Research Laboratory of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Mobility Research Center at the UM Geriatrics Center. DP-1 will enhance a BC-invented uroflowmeter by designing, testing and adding a microsensor to measure, midstream, near real time urine chloride. This modification will detect insufficient excretion of chloride in those with acute heart failure. The EPs include improving the treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, wearable sensors to determine real world physical activity and falls in older adults, a more portable method for screening reaction times important for falls, and teaching elderly how to fall safely. By structuring the BC as a separate Core, the UM Pepper Center achieves economic efficiencies in terms of reduced equipment and service that would be duplicated if separate biomechanics components were pursued by individual UM Pepper Center projects. Since its inception, the BC has served as a consulting service to faculty performing multidisciplinary research on geriatric mobility problems. Consequently, the BC has positively impacted the quality of the aging research conducted in and beyond the UM Pepper Center, as demonstrated by its productivity in terms of peer-reviewed articles, the success of young investigators granted with K08, K12, K23, K99/R00 awards, and extramural research projects awarded by R03, R21, R01, P50 and RC2 mechanisms.