Biomechanics of Locomotion in an Animal Model of Preterm Infant Motor Development
[Past Projects]
Dr. Jesse Young (Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University)
Preterm infants constitute 11% of all infants born in the United States. Most of these infants show significant delays in motor development. However, the exact physiological mechanisms that account for these delays remain a mystery. Previous studies have hypothesized causes as disparate as early postnatal respiratory distress, poor cerebellar development, low muscle mass, and limits on muscle power production. In part, this gap in our knowledge stems from the integrative nature of locomotion itself. Safe, efficient walking requires the coordinated output of multiple organ systems (respiratory, circulatory, nervous, musculoskeletal) to modulate the energetic and biomechanical demands of supporting and accelerating body mass. Only a longitudinal, multimodal study could provide the type of integrative physiological and mechanical data required to address the etiology of preterm infant motor delays. Such a study is not feasible in a compromised population like preterm human infants. Our lab has been developing the infant pig as an animal model of preterm human infant motor development. You would contribute to this goal by analyzing and interpreting previously collected data on walking, running, and standing in preterm and term infant pigs, contributing to our understanding of the underlying causes of preterm motor dysfunction.
Skills you will develop:
Familiarity with modern biomechanical techniques used to analyze motor function and coordination in animals and humans
Use of MATLAB and R for data analysis and statistical interpretation
Opportunities to participate in weekly Biomechanics Journal Club meetings in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at NEOMED and attend associated seminars
