Research

Musculoskeletal mechanics, or biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, is an interdisciplinary activity focusing on the analysis of the interaction between force, motion, deformation and shape of the musculoskeletal system. There are a number of main research groups in the area at Imperial College London. These are listed below with links to other key laboratory pages. Multiple interactions between and within the groups ensure that the overall area at Imperial College is complementary, synergistic and collaborative.

Musculoskeletal Biomechanics

Musculoskeletal dynamics is the analysis of the interaction between force, motion, deformation and shape of the musculoskeletal system. Research in this area is focused on quantifying the forces required to produce motion, both activities of daily living as well as more extreme activities, such as those experienced in sports.

Knowing the forces, geometry and engineering properties of the tissues of the musculoskeletal system allows the quantifiication of the stresses on these tissues. This, in turn, allows the interactions between stresses, pathology, pain, degenerative joint disease, rehabilitation and reconstruction to be analysed.

This large research area is pursued at Imperial College through:

• developing novel musculoskeletal dynamics formulations (modelling)
• creating and using experimental techniques to measure musculoskeletal dynamics
• designing implants for orthopaedic surgery
• developing technology for soft-tissue and implant surgery
• developing statistical models of the shapes of tissues, bones and joints
• developing and using instrumentation for in vivo measures of musculoskeletal function
• creating models of injury in order to mititgate against injuries
• proposing and using novel rehabilitation strategies

Blast Biomechanics

Blast Biomechanics considers the behaviour of the human skeleton under high impulse loading (such that is seen in a blast environment). Applications include civilian and military mitigation.

Visit the Centre for Blast Injury Studies website for more information.