Western
Institute of Neuromechanics
Current Research
The effects of exercise type and elbow angle on vertical ground reaction forces and muscle activity in healthy subjects during a push-up plus exercise
The push-up plus exercise is characterized by a standard push-up motion with a protraction of the shoulder blade (pushing the shoulders forward) upon completion of the push-up repetition. Proper positioning of the scapula (shoulder blade) during upper extremity movement is crucial for the maintenance of optimal muscle lengths, force production, bony and soft tissue alignment, and joint function and health.
The purpose of this study will be to examine the effect of push-up plus variant type and elbow position on vertical ground reaction force and electromygraphical (EMG) activity of four shoulder stabilizer muscles. The results of this project will be used to help guide the prescription of rehabilitation exercises for patients with shoulder injury.
A multifactorial approach describing the possible relationships between kinematic and muscle strength variables to running related injuries in high school cross country runners
Running is becoming an increasingly popular activity in the United States, with a significant participation noted at the high school level. The increase in both participation as well as increased frequency of training can lead to significant increased exposure to running related injuries (RRI) most notably in the lower extremities. Several recent studies noted injury rates in high school cross country participants for lower extremity to be ranging from 19.4% to 79.3% and up to 92.4% when all regions of body were included. The most common RRI is noted to be patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) lower back pain, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and lower leg injuries followed by issues with lower leg, Achilles/calf, and heel anatomy.
The purpose of the study is to measure hip range of motion and strength, knee strength and running kinematics of high school runners before the start of the season, and the relationship of these measurements to the type of injury to this group. The outcome of the study will help coaches and athletic trainers develop rehabilitation program to prevent running related injuries.
The effect of low back and knee pain on hip range of motion
There has been an increasing focus on hip involvement in clinical conditions ranging from knee injuries to non-specific chronic low back pain. A great number of musculoskeletal changes occur during the aging process which includes decreasing hip extension ROM during gait and clinical testing. Numerous research has focused on motor control and strength deficits within the hip with little emphasis on actual hip ROM. Currently, a scarcity of normative data exists for what constitutes normal and pathological ROM of the hip.
The purpose of this study is to measure passive ROM in hip extension, hip internal and external rotation. The intent is to measure passive hip range of motion to assist clinicians in decision making and to help determine if differences exist between clinical condition subgroups.
If you are interested in volunteering for the study please contact Dr. Jun San Juan, ATC at westernneuromechanics@gmail.com or call him at 541-338-7088.
Publications
Roach, S., Sorenson, E., Headley, B., San Juan, JG (2012). The Prevalence of Myofascial Trigger Points in the Hip as a Contributing Factor in Patellofemoral Pain. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. (In press)
San Juan, JG., Kosek, P., Karduna, AR (2012). Humeral head translation after a suprascapular nerve block. Journal of Applied Biomechanics (In press)
Suprak, DN., Donegan, JA., Morales, GB., Stroschein, JR., San Juan, JG (2012). Scapular kinematics are altered by shoulder elevation in a traditional push-up. Journal of Athletic Training. (In press)
San Juan, JG., Roach, S., Lyda, M., Suprak, DN. (2012). A Kinetic and electromyographical analysis of traditional and modified push-up variant. (In preparation)
San Juan, JG., Roach, S., Lyda, M., Suprak, DN. (2012). Lower extremity strength and kinematics in high school cross country runners. (In preparation)
Roach, S., Suprak, DN., Lyda, M., San Juan, JG. (2012). Comparing goniometer and digital inclinometer in measuring hip range of motion. (In preparation)
Roach, S., Suprak, DN., Lyda, M., San Juan, JG. (2012). Hip range of motion in low back and patellofemoral pain patients compared to controls. (In preparation)
San Juan, JG., Karduna, AR (2010) Measuring humeral head translation using fluoroscopy: A validation study. Journal of Biomechanics. 43(4): 771-774.
Sorenson, E. (2009) Functional movement screen as a predictor of injury in high school basketball athletes. Doctoral dissertation, University of Oregon.
San Juan, JG., Yaggie, JA., Levy, S., Mooney, V., Udermann, BE., Mayer, JM (2005). Effects of pelvic stabilization on lumbar muscle activity during dynamic exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 19(4): 903-7.