Research on the cause and prevention of injuries related to mobility
The Injury Prevention and Mobility Lab (IPML) employs the tools of biomechanics to develop and evaluate innovative techniques aimed at preventing disability and injury. The research team strives to advance understanding of the risk factors associated with injury and mobility impairment, while also creating and testing novel interventions.
Most projects involve experimental measurements of human movement dynamics, often complemented by computer-based modelling. For example, the team investigates the relative importance of strength versus reaction time in influencing mobility and balance. A central focus of the laboratory is the prevention of injuries resulting from falls—particularly hip fractures, wrist fractures, and brain injuries. To address this, researchers design and test energy-absorbing floors and protective clothing, such as hip padding devices, to reduce impact forces and injury risk during falls.
The lab also examines the causes of age-related changes in fall-protective responses, such as the use of the hands to arrest a fall, with the goal of developing exercise-based therapies for fracture prevention. Increasingly, research emphasizes monitoring movement patterns in real-life environments using miniature wearable sensors and video technology.
Trainees gain exposure to both basic and applied research, including collaborations with industry and efforts to establish international testing standards. The lab has pioneered several experimental techniques that are now being replicated by former trainees and research groups worldwide.
- Biomechanical testing of hip
- Protectors and compliant flooring
- Ergonomic and standards
- Compliance testing
- Balance and mobility testing
- Fall response testing
- Fall risk analysis
- Construction (including building, civil engineering, specialty trades)
- Consumer durables
- Defence and security industries
- Education
- Financial services and insurance
- Healthcare and social services
- Information and communication technologies and media
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
- Management and business related services
- Manufacturing and processing
- Policy and governance
- Professional and technical services (including legal services, architecture, engineering)
- Transportation
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Falls and balance lab | 2D Perturbation Platform, Motion Capture Camera Systems, Mobile Force Plates, GAITrite Gait Measurement Mat, PPA Kit for Balance and Mobility Measurement, Mobile Linear Motor for Carpet or Platform Translation, Wearable Accelerometer/Gyroscope Sensors for Fall Detection and Activity Monitoring | 2D perturbation platform: Large movable platform with two degrees of freedom, housing two central force plates and covered with gym mats for inducing falls or testing balance |
| Human factors and ergonomics lab | Dynamometers, load cells, material and patient handling equipment, Goniometer, Eye Tracker, Ultrasound Imaging Machine, 4D Watbak, 3D SSPP | 4D Watbak: Software suite for biomechanical modelling of acute and cumulative joint loads 3D SSPP: Software suite for predicting static strength requirements for ergonomic tasks |
| Injury prevention product research lab | Collection of commercial hip protectors and in-house foam pad designs, Hip Impact Simulator Pendulum |
Private and public sector research partners
- Fraser Health Authority
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility
- Delta View Life Enrichment Centre
- New Vista Society