[BIC-announce] Seminar in Biomedical Engineering - Wednesday Feb 5th - 1h pm - Room 333

[Christophe Grova]

Dear all, 

We will have our next  Biomedical Engineering seminar today

Wednesday  ­ Feb 5th,  at 1 pm

Location: Room  333 Lyman Duff Building (Biomedical Engineering Dpt, 3775
University Street).

Speaker:  Dr  David J. Pearsall, PhD, Associate Professor Department of
Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montréal, Canada

Title: 
"Ice skates and skating: functional movement analysis and product design"


Abstract:
Innovations in sport and recreational products are influenced in large part
by technical advances including original designs, the incorporation of new
synthetic polymer materials or metal alloys, and / or the utilization of
novel manufacturing and construction processes (May, 2000). Any or all of
these changes to the product may have a profound effect on performance,
safety and economic viability (Minetti, 2004; Verslius, 2005). Biomechanics
can play an important function in new product development; however, its
influence on the end product is often uncertain (Shorten, 2005). The purpose
of this presentation is to provide examples of studies where biomechanical
concepts can lead to innovations in product development, drawing from
personal experience in ice hockey skate equipment research.

Controlled human based studies of working designs may provide validation (or
rejection) of theory concepts. An excellent example is seen in the
concept-to-product development of the speed "klap" skate (de Koning et al,
1991; van Ingen Schenau et al, 1996).  From an inherited body of
biomechanics knowledge (walking, running and vertical jump), these
researchers identified limitations to lower limb propulsion imposed by the
structural design of conventional fixed blade skates. Several concept
designs were tested, specifically focused at bypassing the former skate's
ergonomic constraints. Compelling performance enhancement was demonstrated
as world time records were shattered by athletes wearing the klap skate.

Inspired by their work, we have adopted a similar approach to link footwear
skate properties to human performance. In the context of ice hockey, skating
involves varied direction and speed transitions (unlike speed skating that
involves essentially only forward and left turns). Thus, the general
question directing our research has been "how can skate design optimize
"fit" for comfort, effective force transmission and skate control?"  Having
identified the mechanical outcomes desired, materials of varied stiffness
and elastic properties, for example, can be assessed for different parts of
the skate boot in terms of the above criteria.  During my presentation I
will provide several examples of recent studies addressing the above goal,
as well as identify strategies to effectively communicate relevant
scientific findings to both the collaborating industry partners (designers,
manufacturing, marketing, intellectual property) and end users (Shorten,
2005).

References:
de Koning et al. (1991) J Biomech, 24(2), 137. May M (2000) Scientific Amer
74-79.
Minetti AE (2004) J Exp Biology 207: 1265-1272
Shorten, M (2005) Symp of the Functional Footwear Group, Cleveland, Ohio.
van Ingen Schenau et al. (1996) Med Sci Sports Exe, 28(4): 531.
Versluis C (2005) Technovation 25:1183-1192



A list of upcoming seminars can be found at :
http://www.mcgill.ca/bme/news/seminars

See you there 

 
Christophe Grova 

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Christophe Grova, PhD
Assistant Professor
Biomedical Engineering Dpt
Neurology and Neurosurgery Dpt
 
Multimodal Functional Imaging Lab (Multi FunkIm)
Montreal Neurological Institute
Centre de Recherches en Mathématiques
 
Biomedical Engineering Department - Room 304
McGill University
3775 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
H3A 2B4 
email : christophe.grova at mcgill.ca <mailto:christophe.grova at mcgill.ca>
tel : (514) 398 2516
fax : (514) 398 7461
 
Web:
http://www.bic.mni.mcgill.ca/ResearchLabsMFIL/PeopleChristophe
http://www.bmed.mcgill.ca/
MultiFunkIm Lab:
http://www.bic.mni.mcgill.ca/ResearchLabsMFIL/HomePage
 
***************************




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