Lora Cavuoto, PhD, CPE

Research

Research Areas: physical ergonomics, biomechanics, occupational safety and health, workplace wellness, designing workplace accommodations for the obese and older populations

Ergonomics and Biomechanics Lab:

This laboratory is used for research activities in the area of physical ergonomics, safety and occupational biomechanics. Research in this lab involves the investigation of workplace injury mechanisms, human capacity, and physical performance along with the development and evaluation of ergonomic controls and interventions. In addition, students utilize the laboratory equipment to identify and assess the physical risks of work environments. This laboratory is equipped with a 3D motion capture system, a full body dynamometer system, EMG measurement equipment, a force platform, and data collection and analysis software.

Current Projects:

1. Advancing Safety Surveillance using Individualized Sensor Technology (ASSIST)
2. Improving post-stroke rehabilitation effectiveness and compliance using smart objects
3. Building a better robotic operating room
4. Advanced virtual simulation for fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery training and credentialing

Recently Completed Projects:

1. Revised force-endurance models for the US workforce
2. The role of psychosocial factors in worksite wellness program participation
3. Modeling the effects of social influence on health-related decision making
4. Evaluating the effect of obesity on central drive using near-infrared spectroscopy and the implications for physical work
5. Mechanisms of musculoskeletal fatigue with obesity

Publications