Research

The Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and Imaging Laboratory has three main research themes:

Research Theme #1 - Identifying how the continuum of cancer care impacts muscle and joint function in breast cancer survivors

The number of breast cancer survivors in the United States is rapidly growing due to advancements in the early detection and treatment of tumors. Upwards of 1/3rd of breast cancer patients whose diagnosis is treated conservatively (including surgery and radiotherapy) experience pain and restricted mobility within their treated shoulder within 5 years of treatment. Given the growing number of cancer survivors, clinicians need a better understanding regarding the time progression and pathophysiology of these shoulder complications. Our lab is currently examining breast cancer patients undergoing a variety of radiation therapy and surgical treatments to understand how the shoulder joint and its underlying muscles are affected after treatment is completed. With this information, we can better a patient’s clinical care to improve their post-cancer quality of life. 

 Research Theme #2 - Advancing technology to quantify shoulder function

Our research group collaborates with researchers in the College of Engineering and Medical School on a new class of wearable sensors for measuring shoulder mobility based on the Japanese art of kirigami.