News
Awarded NSF grant to study ankle-knee coupling dynamics, lower-limb prosthetics
Jul. 16, 2017—The objectives of this funded research are (a) to characterize the effect of gastrocnemius-like ankle-knee coupling dynamics on human walking, then (b) to test the hypothesis that restoring this coupling for individuals with transtibial (below knee) amputation will improve their gait symmetry and economy while also reducing unhealthy joint loading. This 3-year project will be carried...
New study on muscle-tendon dynamics published in PLoS ONE
Jul. 3, 2017—Excited to report that our publication entitled “It’s positive to be negative: Achilles tendon work loops during human locomotion” was recently published in PLoS ONE. This research, carried out in collaboration with Prof. Jason Franz from NC State and UNC, explores methodological challenges associated with non-invasive estimates of Achilles tendon dynamics. The findings were both exciting...
Vanderbilt recognized for outstanding National Biomechanics Day outreach event!
Jun. 21, 2017—Vanderbilt was the recipient of an award intended “to recognize schools and labs who utilized engaging, useful, and both cost and time efficient lab demonstrations” for National Biomechanics Day (NBD). Thanks to all the Vanderbilt students and faculty who participated to make it such a fun day. Special thanks to Emily Matijevich who wrote up a...
Prof. Zelik receives two early career research awards from American & International Societies of Biomechanics
Jun. 15, 2017—Prof. Zelik has received the Promising Scientist Award from the International Society of Biomechanics, and also the Young Scientist (Post-Doctoral) Award from the American Society of Biomechanics for his early career research. Both awards recognize his work on understanding of human locomotion, and translating this understanding to advances in prosthetic and exoskeleton technologies. More details (link...
Congrats to Matt on publishing his research on human-exosuit interface dynamics in JNER
Jun. 1, 2017—Congrats to Matthew Yandell, whose research on human-exosuit interface dynamics was recently published in the Journal of NeuroEngineering & Rehabilitation. This research was carried out in collaboration with researchers at Harvard. It highlights how interface dynamics (due to deformation of biological soft tissues and stretching of synthetic materials) complicate how wearable robots assist human movement....
Prof. Zelik visits University of Tennessee
May. 19, 2017—Prof. Zelik is visiting with Dr. Jeff Reinbolt and others at the University of Tennessee this week. He is presenting a seminar on biomechanics and wearable assistive technology on May 19. This visit was supported by an SEC Faculty Travel Grant.
Zelik, BAT Lab Highlighted in Vanderbilt EDI Connect Newsletter
Apr. 7, 2017—Prof. Zelik and the BAT Lab are highlighted in a story in the April Issue of EDI Connect, a monthly newsletter created by the Vanderbilt Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. https://indd.adobe.com/view/bb5c672f-d20f-4e3e-acd4-72d9fa066a8b (see page 3)
Congratulations to Lauren & Josh, who were both named Goldwater Scholars
Mar. 31, 2017—We are thrilled to congratulate two undergraduate students in our lab, Lauren Branscombe and Joshua Fleck, who were both named Goldwater Scholars!! Both are juniors in Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt. Josh and Lauren were selected amongst a highly-competitive applicant pool. Nationwide, only 240 Goldwater Scholars were selected in 2017, from a field of ~1300 science, math and...
National Biomechanics Day – Thursday April 6 – Join Us for our Annual Research Lab Open House
Mar. 31, 2017—We are excited to be hosting a Research Lab Open House next Thursday April 6 from 2-5pm to celebrate National Biomechanics Day. We’ll be showing off lots of fun exoskeleton and prosthetic devices, and our new motion analysis lab facilities in the new Engineering & Science Building. All are welcome! Feel free to forward this link or info...
Congrats to Josh Fleck, named Littlejohn Summer Research Scholar
Mar. 22, 2017—Josh, currently a junior in Mechanical Engineering, received this award through the Vanderbilt University Summer Research Program, and we are excited to have him continuing and extending his prosthetics research with us over the summer!
A Day in the Life…
Feb. 12, 2017—A day in the life of Vanderbilt students, postdocs, engineers and faculty performing research on rehabilitation engineering & assistive technology. (Depicted are members of the Zelik and Goldfarb labs. Photo Credits to Suzannah Ponzio and John Russell at Vanderbilt University). Interdisciplinary collaboration. Biomechanical modeling. Mechatronic prostheses. Exoskeleton engineering and development. Prosthetic testing. Mechanical design and fabrication....
Happy Holidays from the BAT Lab!
Dec. 12, 2016— And with the help of a little holiday magic (& photoshop), one with Tristan too…
Post-Doc Position Available
Dec. 8, 2016—Post-Doc Position at Vanderbilt University: Biomechanics of Wearable Assistive Devices The Biomechanics & Assistive Technology laboratory at Vanderbilt University is currently accepting applications for a post-doctoral researcher. The post-doc will contribute to multidisciplinary research projects at the intersection of human movement biomechanics and wearable assistive devices (exoskeletons and lower-limb prostheses). Desired Qualifications: We are looking for...
BAT Lab Moving Into New Engineering & Science Building
Oct. 30, 2016—After 2 years located on the 5th floor of Olin Hall, the BAT lab will officially move into the new Engineering & Science Building (ESB) this week. Our engineering lab space will be located in ESB 334, and motion analysis lab in ESB 331/339. We are excited for this next chapter of research, and increased...
Congrats to Eric Honert, whose article on ankle-foot biomechanics was published in PLoS ONE
Oct. 22, 2016—The article, entitled “Inferring Muscle-Tendon Unit Power from Ankle Joint Power during the Push-Off Phase of Human Walking: Insights from a Multiarticular EMG-Driven Model,” was co-authored by Eric Honert & Karl Zelik. Full text can be found HERE. Abstract Introduction. Inverse dynamics joint kinetics are often used to infer contributions from underlying groups of muscle-tendon units (MTUs). However,...