[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 this coming Wednesday

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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