The Department of Psychology and the Cognitive Behavioral Sciences (CBS) Colloquium Series will present a talk titled “Biomechanics: Relating Human Function to Physiological Structure” with Michael Torry, Ph.D., Friday, November 11, at 2 p.m. in 48 DeGarmo Hall. Torry is an associate professor in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation at Illinois State University.
Abstract
My research interests are devoted to the assessment and development of better human motion analysis techniques and to the mathematical modeling of the human and biological systems for the identification of injury mechanisms and the development of orthopedic surgical techniques and efficient rehabilitation protocols. My significant contribution to science can be summarized as the integration of in vivo gait analysis techniques/motion capture (mocap) data with forward dynamic mathematical models to characterize lower extremity mechanics during functional activities.
The scientific domains of computational modeling and mocap in the late-’80s and early ’90s were independent research areas with little overlap yet possessed similar clinical applications and aspirations. While mocap has long been utilized to characterize the underlying neuro-mechanical pathways of human motion, it inherently lacks the ability to discern forces and loads acting on specific structures within diarthrodial joints. By utilizing subject specific kinematic data in combination with high-fidelity computational models, colleagues and I were able to better describe how movement patterns influence internal joint structures during dynamic activities.
A printable PDF flyer for this colloquium is available on the Department of Psychology website.
CBS Colloquium Series
The CBS Colloquium Series brings high-caliber researchers to the Illinois State University campus to share their work with the local academic community. Individual faculty members invite speakers to campus based on their interests. The Department of Psychology also invites alumni to speak in the series in an effort to maintain strong connections with former students and provide them with a chance to pass on their knowledge to current students. The series provides both faculty and students with a variety of professional development opportunities and allows students to network with professionals in their field of study.
This speaker series is sponsored by the Department of Psychology. To support the Department of Psychology and help enhance its educational mission with advanced teaching methods, guest speakers, and more opportunities for students to learn through research experiences, please consider making a gift to the department through the Illinois State University Foundation.
If you need a special accommodation to participate in this program, call the Department of Psychology at (309) 439-8651. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
