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The long-term objectives of the Clinical Gait and Movement Analysis Laboratory (CGMAL) in the Department of Physical Therapy at UIC include the development of clinical interventions to improve a person's own neuromuscular defense mechanisms against fall-related injuries and to prevent rapid progression of knee osteoarthritis.  To achieve these objectives, we are developing new assessment tools and treatment strategies.  An overall guiding principle of our research is that its outcome should impact the clinical practice of physical rehabilitation.

For example, we have developed mathematical models to simulate human movement by using computers to determine biomechanical boundaries of balance recovery.  Guided by such theoretical predictions, we have then developed different perturbation paradigms that enable us to determine the actual limitations of an individual’s protective mechanisms and the movement options for improving stability.

Lab construction, started in August, 2000 and completed in March, 2001, has transformed an abandoned storage/delivery-room space into a state of the art research laboratory (230 sq. m or 2500 sq. ft.).  It consists of three main areas.  An office area consisting of an office/meeting room and several workstations can accommodate the needs of the Director, visiting scholars, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and students.  A clinical area contains a room with equipment needed for patient evaluation including a Kin Com 500-H isokinetic dynamometer.  The data collection area includes a lowered, 10 x 3 meter instrumented walkway with ramp access.  Motion analysis data are captured with eight 240-Hz Falcon high-resolution analog cameras mounted on a circular overhead rail and EvaRT real-time data collection and tracking software.  The lab is also equipped with an electromyographic (EMG) data collection system.

Dr Pai and his research team in the past 10 years also have designed, tested, and implemented protective systems aimed at providing subject and patient safety while allowing the researchers to identify the vulnerability in their neuromuscular defense mechanisms.  Special consideration was also given to this safety issue during the lab construction.  A section of the floor was removed and reconstructed at a lower level to allow for the proper functioning of a set of dynamic mountain climbing ropes connecting to a full body harness system for fall arrest.  The harness system is connected to a load cell so that the degree to which a subject uses the harness to regain balance after exposure to a perturbation may be assessed. 

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