The American Society of Biomechanics held the first National Biomechanics Day at universities and resaerch facilities across the country. The Departments of Physical Therapy and Exercise Science invited local high school students to participate in demonstrations and a tour at the Gerald L. Francis Center on April 13.
The American Society of Biomechanics held the first National Biomechanics Day at universities and research facilities across the country. The purpose was to broaden the exposure of biomechanics to high school and undergraduate students as a growing field in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). More than 60 events were held nationwide, including demonstrations and tours at the Gerald L. Francis Center.
Biomechanics is a broad field in the sciences that uses the principles of mechanics to understand and study biological phenomenon. Faculty members Srikant Vallabhajosula, Sue Chinworth, Joyce Davis and Matthew Wittstein worked together to plan a local biomechanics event on April 13. Students in Alamance-Burlington Schools as well as Elon University freshmen were invited to participate in the free event in which they received a tour of the biomechanics lab, observed and participated in balance and gait research techiniques, learned about three-dimensional motion capture of human movement, and learned more about the multidiscplinary field. They also interacted with current DPT students Luke Boyd and Mary Cameron Hamilton to learn more about how the fields of physical therapy and biomechanics merge and what it takes to get into a physical therapy school.
Current research in biomechanics at Elon University spans clinical applications in gait and balance rehabilitation, dance performance, effects of concussion and sport performance.
This annual event will continue to grow nationally and at Elon, highlighting the innovations and advances in a young scientific field. The organizers would like to thank Leslie Carriker, M.Ed., K-12 Science and Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, for her help in advertising the event throughout the Alamance-Burlington School System.