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We
are part of the Center for Human Motor Research (CHMR) in
which students rotate among the biomechanics labs, the Motor
Control Lab and the Motor Development Lab. In addition, faculty
and students participate in a weekly seminar.
Our theoretical background is Dynamics Systems Theory with
a parallel interest in clinical application. Thus, many of
our research projects involve populations with disabilities.
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Faculty Projects:
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| Development
of Locomotor Activity in Infants with Spina Bifida |
Beverly
Ulrich, Ph.D. (bdulrich@umich.edu), Vickie Moerchen, Ph.D.*; Mijna Hadders-Algra, M.D., Ph.D.**
* University of Maryland - Baltimore; ** University of Groningen |
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The
purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the development
of leg control in infants born with and without spina
bifida. We are focusing on the quality (control and coordination)
and quantity of infants' stepping movements from the time
they are one month until 18 months of age. We test infants'
responses to being supported on a motorized treadmill
and to our attempts to elicit the newborn stepping response.
We expect that our results will help us understand the
impact of internal (spinal cord lesions) and external
(environmental) factors on motor skill acquisition in
humans. |
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| The
Design of an Optimal Treadmill Training Protocol to Improve
Onset of Gait in Infants with Down Syndrome |
| Dale
Ulrich, Ph.D. (ulrichd@umich.edu)
& Rosa Angulo-Barroso, Ph.D. (rangulo@umich.edu) |
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Based
on our current findings that regular treadmill exercise
results in earlier onset of locomotor behavior in infants
with Down syndrome, our goal is to investigate manipulations
of the onset, duration and intensity of the treadmill
training. Our current research indicates that we were
successful in reducing the delay in onset of walking by
more than 100 days through treadmill training provided
by the parent in their home. We are confident that by
fine tuning the treadmill training procedures we can continue
to reduce this delay and observe additional benefits to
the child. |
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| Treadmill
Exercise and Infants with Down Syndrome: Impact on Cardiovascular
Health and Pattern of Physical Activity |
| Dale
Ulrich, Ph.D. & Rosa
Angulo-Barroso, Ph.D. |
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The
patterns of physical activity and obesity in individuals
with DS may represent a risk for cardiovascular problems.
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether an
early treadmill exercise intervention can provide benefits
to the cardiovascular system of infants with DS. This
study will establish the developmental profile of physical
activity and heart rate patterns in infants with DS over
a longitudinal period. The relationship among biological
factors, physical activity, and heart rate level will
be tested. We will also analyze changes in physical activity and heart rate as a result of treadmill
exercise. |
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| Understanding
and Modeling the Gait Patterns of Individuals with Down
Syndrome |
Beverly
Ulrich, Ph.D. (bdulrich@umich.edu), Ken Holt, Ph.D.*; Elliott Saltzman, Ph.D.*; Masayoshi Kubo, Ph.D.; Ugo Buzzi, M.S.; Lin Chang, M.S.
* Boston University |
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Individuals
with Down syndrome (DS) are characterized as displaying
different gait patterns compared to persons with typical
development. We hypothesize that these differences are
due primarily to limited stiffness in their lower extremities.
The purpose of this study is to understand how different
force and stiffness production capabilities affect walking
in individuals with DS. We are using a mathematical
model (escapement-driven inverted pendulum and spring)
to determine the relative use of dynamic resources in
walking. In one phase, our participants are pre-adolescents
(age 8-10 years), with and without DS. In phases two
and three we will study newly walking infants and elderly
persons with DS.
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Doctoral student Victoria Haehl guides a study subject on a treadmill while Dr.
Ulrich observes >
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Doctoral Student Projects:
Control
of the Center of Mass (COM) - its Role in Walking Onset and
Walking Patterns
Ugo Buzzi, M.S., & Beverly
Ulrich, Ph.D. |
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The purpose
of this work is to try to uncover the aspect of movement control
that enables an infant to shift from cruising (walking with
support) to walking independently. Scientists have argued previously
that postural control is the control parameter that drives this
transition. We believe controlling the center of mass (COM)
over the base of support is key. Further, we hypothesize that
by shifting the location of the COM upward or downward we will
shift the newly walking infants "backward" into cruising
and cruisers "forward" into taking their first independent
steps, respectively. In our first studies we are analyzing the
effect of shifting COM by placing weight on the shoulder or
pelvic girdle on the gait patterns of infants with 6 weeks of
walking experience. We are using a GAITRite mat and Peak Performance
motion analysis system to assess gait parameters. |
Effects
of simulated crouch standing on muscle torque requirements
Kathy Hinderer,
M.S., M.P.T., P.T. and Rosa
Angulo-Barroso, Ph.D. |
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Altered
postures, such as crouch standing are common in individuals
with disabilities. The purpose of this study is to determine
the effects of increases in simulated crouch severity (knee
flexion angle) on the percent maximum torque (muscular effort)
required to maintain standing in these altered postures. To
evaluate these effects across the lifespan, children, adolescents,
and adults will be tested. In order to determine the percent
maximum torque required, muscle strength measurements will be
obtained in various positions using an isometric myometer. These
measurements will then be input into a computer program to predict
the ability to stand. The ability to stand in varying degrees
of crouch severity also will be assessed by evaluating angular
positions and the lower extremity muscular forces required to
maintain standing using motion analysis equipment. The results
of this study will benefit rehabilitation professionals in making
clinical decisions for individuals with disabilities. |
Observation
of Fetal Movement
Daniela (Deman) Knoll, M.S., Rosa
Angulo-Barroso, Ph.D., and Tim Johnson, M.D. |
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This study
aims to explore the effect of the transition from the uterine
environment to the outside world on upper extremity movements
during fetal life and early infancy. We will investigate how
the changes in environmental conditions (i.e. amniotic fluid)
affect the quality and quantity of upper extremity movements
and whether there is continuity in upper extremity movements
before and after birth. Biweekly-videotaped ultrasound observations
of 15minutes, from 20 weeks of gestation up to the age of 6
weeks will be conducted to quantify shoulder movement (i.e.
locations shift, and rotation velocity). We hypothesize that
(a) increased pressure will diminish shoulder movements, and
(b) there will be a short period of discontinuity in upper extremity
movements. We strongly believe in the need for more detailed
observations to reflect the existing developmental differences
as well as possible detection of abnormalities in development. |
The
Role of Task Difficulty in the Control of Dynamic Balance in
Children and Adults
Jake Streepey, M.S., and Rosa
Angulo-Barroso, Ph.D. |
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Although
several studies have explored the development of balance control
in children, few addressed the influence of task difficulty.
In this study, reaching tasks in 3 directions to 2 distances
enabled the examination of balance control in the context of
graded task difficulty. Balance control was measured in younger
(6 years) and older (10-11 years) children and adults using
COP measures (initial position, excursion, and amplitude) and
reach distance. We hypothesize that with increased task difficulty,
younger children will change their initial COP position, and
adults will have increased reach distance. Furthermore, we believe
that there is an interaction between age and task difficulty
on balance control. |
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Motor
Development Lab members:
Front row (l to r): Dr. Beverly
Ulrich, Dr. Rosa Angulo-Barroso, Dr. Dale Ulrich, Susan
Horvath.
Middle row (l to r): Victoria Haehl, Sandra McKay,
Chai-Lin Chang, Daniela (Deman) Knoll, Lola Adewunmi,
Gwen Reyes.
Back row (l to r): Kathy Hinderer, Nicole Proulx,
Mike Hoogendyk, Sarah Wolownik, Jennifer Carroll, Chad
Tiernan.
Missing from photo: Ugo Buzzi, Masayoshi Kubo,
Tal Liberzon, Jake Streepey.
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Faculty: |
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Dr.
Rosa Angulo-Barroso, (rangulo@umich.edu) |
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Dr.
Dale Ulrich, (ulrichd@umich.edu) |
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Dr.
Beverly Ulrich, (bdulrich@umich.edu)
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| Graduate
Student(s): |
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Daniela
(Deman) Knoll (ddeman@umich.edu)
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| Research
Associate |
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Masayoshi
Kubo (mkubo@umich.edu) |
| Independent
Researchers: |
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Kim
Applegate (kapplega@umich.edu) |
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Jason
Baker (jrb@umich.edu) |
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Jennifer
Carroll (jcarrolz@umich.edu)
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Heather
Feldhusen (hfeldhus@umich.edu)
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| Collaborators: |
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Mijna Hadders-Algra, Groningen University and Hospital, the Netherlands |
| Ken Holt, Boston University Department of Physical Therapy |
| Betsy Lozoff (blozoff@umich.edu), UM Center for Human Growth and Development |
| Ann Phillips (alphi@umich.edu), UM Department of Psychology |
| Elliott Saltzman, Boston University Department of Physical Therapy |
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Esther Thelen, Indiana University Department of Psychology |
| Rooms:
4714-4718 & 4734-4744 (Approx. 2800 sq.ft.) |
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| Data
acquisition systems: |
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Peak
performance technologies, Inc. system with: |
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3D
real-time motion analysis system and camera |
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3D
Automatic video-based motion analysis system (2 cameras); |
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32
channels analog data acquisition for EMG, force plate; |
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goniometers;
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Motus
software |
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Northern
Digital, Inc. Optotrack system (3010) with: |
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3D
real-time motion analysis system (1 position sensor); |
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16
channels analog data acquisition for EMG; |
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DAP
software |
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Biofeedback
system (custom made) with: |
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Real-time
data acquisition from goniometers; |
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Feedback
output to motor; |
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ELMIRA
software |
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Generic
data acquisition system, labview based with: |
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Real-time
data acquisition from goniometers; |
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EMG,
force plate; |
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Custom-made
software |
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GAITRite
mat and acquisition system |
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Allows
real-time detection of foot placement and step cycle parameters,
and velocity |
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| Hardware: |
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1
AMTI force plate |
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6
EMG channels, Therapeutics Unlimited |
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1
J-tech strength measurement and training system (on loan) |
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| Computers:
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Several
PCs and two printers (one color), all linked to the Kinesiology
server and each other |
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Two
Peak data reduction workstations |
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| Other: |
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2
infant scales, 1 adult scale |
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1
adult treadmill |
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2
anthropometric kits (with skinfold caliper, anthropometer) |
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5
video cameras (S-VHS Panasonic) |
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5
VCRs, Panasonic |
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2
monitors, Panasonic |
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8
baby treadmills |
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4
actigraphs |
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