Ontario Biomechanics Conference 2023

University of Waterloo Health Expansion building.

May 9-11, 2023
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario

The Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo was proud to organize the 2023 Ontario Biomechanics Conference (OBC 2023). The goal of this conference is to highlight biomechanics research excellence within Ontario, and to provide an opportunity for biomechanics students in Ontario to network and present their work in a casual and nurturing environment.

See below for a summary of conference presentations.

For a copy of the full OBC 2023 program or podium/poster abstracts, please email cre-msd@uwaterloo.ca.

Keynote

It’s OK to have a scientific bias, but it depends on what you do with that bias.

Reflections of a 30-year effort to understand what information about the neural control of muscle is contained within the surface electromyographic signal.

David A. Gabriel, Ph.D., FACSM, FNAK
Department of Kinesiology, Brock University

avid Gabriel received a Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Motor Control from McGill University in 1995 and completed an NIH post-doctoral fellowship in Orthopaedic Biomechanics at the Mayo Clinic in 1997. His research contributions were recognized by induction to the National Academy of Kinesiology as an International Fellow and as a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Professor Gabriel is a past president of the International Society for Electrophysiology and Kinesiology and is co-author of the textbook “Essentials of Electromyography.” He has secured 1.17 M in external funding from NSERC and CIHR. His research areas include mathematical modelling of the surface EMG signal and signal processing methods related to motor unit firing patterns. The ultimate goal of his research program is to understand the neural control of muscle force.

Podium Session One

Presenter	Session
Carson Brewer McMaster University	Estimation Of Injury Limits At Vulnerable Impact Locations Along The Forearm Via THUMS V6.1 Finite Element Model
Brye McMorran University of Guelph	Vestibular Influence On Compensatory Stepping
Blake Miller University of Ottawa	Quadriceps Activation Of Female Adolescents During Isokinetic Testing Pre And Post Acl Surgery
Sophia Ngan University of Waterloo	Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Implementation To Improve Fracture Response Of A Vertebra Under Compression
Joshua Taylor University of Toronto	Markerless Motion Capture Validation With A Knee Brace
Chimerem Amiaka Brock University	The Effects Of Vibration On Postural Responses
Daphne Ho University of Waterloo	Low Back Loading During PSW Tasks

Podium Session Two

Presenter	Session
Sam Vasilounis York University	Trunk Muscle Responses To Dynamic Movements
Erinn McCreath- Frangakis Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College	Evaluating Test-Retest Reliability Of The Flexion- Relaxation Ratio Within And Between Days
Kyra Wanuch University of Waterloo	Biomechanical Characterization Of Pelvic Floor Contraction Using Novel Ultrasound Imaging
Elizabeth Norman Western	A Kinematic Analysis Of Wrist And Carpal Function Utilizing 4D CT Technology: A Novel Perspective
Regan Sheppard University of Guelph	Emg Metrics As Predictors Of Subjective Knee Exercise Quality
Michael Watson University of Waterloo	Mechanisms Of Endplate Fracture Lesions And Schmorl's Node Injuries During Acute Loading
Matthew Ruder McMaster University	Comparisons Between In-Lab And Out-Of-Lab Free- Living Derived Gait Parameters

Podium Session Three

Presenter	Session
Michael Watterworth Ontario Tech University	Equations For Estimating Upper-Limb Exoskeleton Support
Chris Vellucci Brock University	A Need For Speed: Objectively Identifying Kinematic Strategies Associated With Faster Sprint Velocities
Denise Balogh Nipissing University	Carpal Tunnel Dynamics During Pinch Gripping
Tanvi Seeburrun University of Waterloo	Measuring Volunteer Head Kinematics Using Instrumented Mouthguards
Matthew Russell York University	Shoulder Muscle Co-Activation Changes Following Fatigue
Wayne Allison University of Western Ontario	Evaluating The Neuroanatomy Affected In Concussion
Erika Howe University of Guelph	Foot Loading Impacts Skin Sensitivity

Podium Session Four

Presenter	Session
Olena Klahsen University Ottawa	Body Position Impacts Both Ultrasound Imaging And Intravaginal Dynamometry Measures Of Female Pelvic Floor Muscle Function
Jacklyn Kurt University of Waterloo	Effects Of A Passive Upper Extremity Exoskeleton On Shoulder Fatigue During A Simulated Automotive Overhead Work Task
Lauren Straatman Western	The Relationship Between Kinematic Joint Contact And Subchondral Bone Mineral Density
Anil Palanisamy McMaster University	Association Of On-Court Impact Load With Rating Of Percived Exertion In Basketball
Benjamin Kissack University of Guelph	Visual Cue Complexity On Foot Placement Accuracy In A Targeted Stepping Task
Alyssa Tondat University of Waterloo	Soft Tissue Thickness And Composition Surrounding The Proximal Femur
Noah Chow Wilfrid Laurier University	Examining Adjacent Disc Disease

Podium Session Five

Presenter	Session
Fergus Lam University of Waterloo	Dependency Of Shoulder Muscle Activation Patterns On Simulated Labral Conditions During Isometric and Functional Tasks
Daniel Cousins Brock University	Hand Exoskeleton And Forearm Muscle Activity
Stephen Boulanger York University	Subacromial Space Measures Using Ultrasound And MRI
Claudia Town University of Windsor	Effect Of Football Shoulder Pads On Reach Distance.
Kimberly Peckett University of Waterloo	Frontal Plane Knee Loading During Common Lifting Techniques
Marija Bakoc University of Guelph	Quantifying Knee Brace Perturbation Responses During Gait
Dominique Cava Western University	The Effect Of Adjusting Frontal Plane Knee Alignment When Scaling Patient-Specific Neuromusculoskeletal Models

Podium Session Six

Presenter	Session
Mohammad Mohammad Queen's University	Estimating Energy Expenditure Using Wearable Sensors During Indoor And Outdoor Locomotion
Kevin Kos via Dan Mulla McMaster University	Upper Body Joint Moment Trade-Offs
Daniel Genaro University of Guelph	Optimizing Lower-Limb Sensory Substitution
Aurora Battis Brock University	Assessing The Acute Effects Of Wearable Sensor Derived Auditory Biofeedback On Gross Lumbar Proprioception
Steven Pretty University of Waterloo	Force Transmission During Lateral Falls Is Dependent On Hip Protectors And Soft Tissue Thickness
Jakub Targosinski Western University	An In Vitro Study Of Glenoid Implant Peripheral Peg Interface Mechanics Under Simulated Glenoid Lift-Off Loading
Ryan Foley Ontario Tech University	Modeling The Effect Of Unique Force-Time Histories On Predicted Muscle Fatigue

Podium Session Seven

Presenter	Session
Cathrine Feier University of Guelph	Visual Cues During Sit-To-Stand
Jessica Wenghofer University of Ottawa	Markerless Spine Movement Assessment
Margaret Harington University of Toronto	Hip Musculoskeletal Model Validation
Garrick Forman Brock University	Forearm Muscle Fatigue And Computer Mouse Performance
Monica Malek McMaster University	Optoelectronic Motion Capture Protocol For In-Clinic Orthopaedic Gait Analysis
Emily Lefebvre York University	Subcutaneous Tissue, Muscle Quality, And EMG
Jackie Zehr University of Waterloo	Compression Induced Microinjury Patterns In The Spinal Endplate

Poster Session A – AHS Foyer

Presenter	Poster Topic
Ikeade Adeyinka University of Toronto	Association Of Malaignment On Cartilage Wear
Benjamin Allen Ontario Tech University	Estimating Effort Durations For Common Automotive Manufacturing Tasks
Richard Barina University of Waterloo	Topology Optimization Of Spinal Implants Under Physiologic Loads
Daniel Beshay University of Waterloo	Proximal Humerus Fracture Testing
Anita Borhani University of Toronto	Racial Differeces In Lower Extremity Kinematics
Kristen De Melo University of Guelph	Optic Flow Influence On Muscle Activity In The Absence Of Movement In Different Body Positions
Kyle Farwell University of Toronto	Should Spine Motion Be Constrained While Stretching The Hip?
Randa Mudathir Western University	Four-Dimensional Ultrasound For Assessing Ligament Laxity In Thumb Osteoarhritis Patients
Kate Posluszny University of Waterloo	Efficacy Of Portable Lift Assist Devices For Paramedics
Aryen Shakib McMaster University	Numeric Validation Of Thoracic Blunt Ballistic Trauma In Human Body Models
Kim Stroesser University of Windsor	Injuries In Adult Pickelball Players.
Tiffany Tiu University of Toronto	Objective Validation Of A Novel Star Excursion Test
Kristin Yates University of Guelph	Adjustable Table Height For Cooking
Gokhan Bozyigit Brock University	Key Performance Indicators During 50 And 100 Meter Swim Lengths Across Four Swim Strokes
Josh Briar University of Guelph	Intervertebral Disc Pathology And Muscle Function
Calaina Brooke Wilfrid Laurier University	Balance After Concussion In Response To Perturbations
Hannah Coyle-Asbil University of Guelph	Wearables To Estimate The Energy Expenditure Of Preschool-Aged Children
Cole Dennis McMaster University	Characterization Of Soft Tissues And Their Role In Impact Attenuation For Injury Assessment Applications
Emma Donnelly Western University	Comparing Laxity In Robotic-Assisted And Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty To Intact Knees
Lynton Lam University of Guelph	Sport Participation And Balance
Cameron Lang Brock University	Work From Home Computer Workstations
Nigel Majoni McMaster University	Markerless Motion Capture For The Hands And Fingers
Alexandre Mir-Orefice University of Ottawa	Smart Insole Validation
Elizabeth Norman Western University	Comparison Of Muscle Forces During Active Flexion- Extension Motion Of The Wrist Before And After Total Wrist Arthroplasty
Kayla Russell- Bertucci University of Waterloo	Characterizing Surface Electromyography Muscle Activity And Upper Arm Kinematics In Video Game Players
Aliza Siebenaller University of Guelph	Spinal Deformity And Muscle Degeneration
Pratham Singh University of Toronto	Testing Environment Effects On Lower Extremity Kinematics
Sabrina Sinopoli Wilfrid Laurier University	Inflammation's Effect On The Annulus Fibrosus
Shahla Ziamanesh Nipissing University	Hand Transmitted Vibration During Impact Wrench Use
Dan Anzovino Brock University	Subthreshold Vibration And Standing Balance
Jessa Buchman-Pearle University of Waterloo	The Association Between Lateral Asymmetries And Low Back Pain
Miguel Corrales University of Waterloo	Comparison of Young and Older Adult Small Stature Female Rib Fracture in Side Impacts of Varying Velocities
Jessica Flammia University of Windsor	A Descriptive Analysis Of The Upper Body Kinematics Of Conductors
Donna Fok University of Waterloo	Low Back Responses To Running Shoe Midsole Cushioning
James Hunter Western University	Age-Related Differences In Glenohumeral And Scapulothoracic Kinematics Using 4dct
Hannah McMaster Brock University	The Role Of Diurnal Variation In Standing Low Back Discomfort
Andra Neptune Wilfrid Laurier University	The Effect Of Cyclic Loading On The Annulus Fibrosus
Jarrett Norrie Brock University	Automated Golf Performance Assessment Using Markerless Motion Capture Derived From A Cell Phone Camera
Behzad Danaei University of Waterloo	Dynamic Simulation Approach For Acetabular Cup Orientation Optimization
Isaac Seabrook Brock University	Effects Of Theraband Resistance On Sagittal Plane Kinematics Of The Back Squat
Tushar Sharma University of Guelph	Skin Input Persistent Inward Current
Gillian Slade Ontario Tech University	Assessing The Reliability Of Maximum Voluntary Contraction Protocols
David Varandas University of Waterloo	Peak Flexion Moments During Squat, Stoop, And Straddle Lifts
Aidan Abraham McMaster University	Relationship Between Energy Absorption And Meniscal Function During Dynamic Knee Movement In Pediatric Patients With Acl Tear
Taylor Carson University of Ottawa	Isometric And Isokinetic Torque In Acl Defficient Adolescents With And Without Meniscal Tears
Alexandre Galley Western University	A Comparison Of Driving Vs Non-Driving Muscle Forces On A Novel Muscle Actuator System
Meghan Hanton-Fong University of Waterloo	Investigating The Repeatability Of Compensatory Movements In Rotator Cuff Tears To Improve Wearable Device Tracking
Madi Hunter Brock University	Adaptive Robotics For Wrist Rehabilitation
Adam Kapasi University of Guelph	Abductor Hallucis Cutaneous Reflex
Kristie Liu University of Toronto	Comparison Of Lower Limb Kinematics Between Marker- Based And Markerless Motion Capture
Sophia Nikitin Brock University	Forearm Muscle Fatigue During Computer Mouse Tasks
Grace O'Neill Nipissing University	Relationships Between Kinematic And Performance Variability During Obstacle Crossing
Nathan Oliphant McMaster University	Reliability Of The Opencap System For Determining Knee Kinematics During Single And Double Leg Rebound Jumps
Dilaver Singh University of Waterloo	Comparing Global And Local Response Of The Lungs In Impact Human Body Models
Brendan Pinto University of Waterloo	Effects Of Trunk Posture On Lifting Strength
Danielle Carnegie University of Toronto	Kinetic Adaptations To Restricting Spine Motion During Lifting
Sukirat Bhullar University of Waterloo	Shear Wave Elastography To Estimate The Mechanical Properties Of Soft Tissues

Poster Session B – Fed Hall

Presenter	Poster Topic
Carl Alano Brock University	Automated Movement Screen: Developing A Data-Driven Scoring Tool To Assess Spine Motor Dysfunction
Katherine Athaide University of Guelph	Muscle Mechanics Associated With Vertebral Level
Maxwell Campbell Western University	The Sensitivity Of Bony Landmarks And The Scapholunate Interval To Wrist Malrotation In The Posteroanterior Radiograph
Ryuta Dharmaputra Ontario Tech University	Comparing Immersive Virtual Reality Systems For Ergonomics Assessments In Automotive Assembly Tasks
Heather Grandy University of Ottawa	Triple Jump Technique Assessment
Megan Hutter Western University	Developing Three-Dimensional Ultrasound For Blood Flow Assessment Of Thumb Osteoarthritis
Tamar Kritzer Brock University	Physical Demands In Helicopter Manufacturing
Larissa Madia Western University	The Role Of Transverse Plane Malalignment In Posterolateral Corner Complex Injury
Laura Marrelli University of Guelph	Skin Input, Rate Of Torque Development, And Fatigue
Alexis Napper Brock University	Physical Demands In Arborists
Luke Opilka Wilfrid Laurier University	Examining Hip Spine Syndrome
Eseoghene Orogun McMaster University	Smart Insole Validation For Assessing Foot Progression Angle
Kylie Paliani Western University	The Analysis Of Healthy Shoulder And Anatomic Implant Shoulder Glenohumeral Arthrokinematics
Noah Polesky Brock University	Forearm Muscle Activity During Eccentric Exercise
Xaysha Solomon Wilfrid Laurier University	Annulus Fibrosus Damage Following Disc Herniation
Jessica Wanyan Wilfrid Laurier University	Balance During Gait In Adult ADHD Population
Vanessa Yuan Brock University	Slips While Walking In Occupational Footwear
William Auray Ontario Tech University	The Effect Of Extended Reach On Manual Arm Strength And Hand Location Relative To The Shoulder
Joel Carriere University of Guelph	Wrist Kinematics Through Open Source Markerless Motion Capture
Hunter Carswell Nipissing University	Age-Related Changes In Spatiotemporal-Kinematic Relationships During Gait
Ryan Chhiba McMaster University	Hand Pressure Effects On Internal Loading
Sarah Fitzgerald Ontario Tech University	Exploring The Effects Of Mental Fatigue On Perceptual Motor Task Performance And Upper Limb Kinematics
Emma McArthur Nipissing University	Effects Of Age On Relationships Between Kinematics And Center Of Mass Motion During Gait
Livia Murray University of Waterloo	Short Time Fourier Transform For Gait Bout Detection In Free-Living Accelerometry
Gillian Phillips Queen's University	Effects Of Gait Variability On Adaptation To Ankle Exoskeletons
Elizabeth Zafar University of Waterloo	Role Of Low Back Capacity On Functional Movement
Rebecca Chan University of Toronto	Jump Type Effects On Lower Extremity EMG
Victor Chan University of Ottawa	EMG Wavelet And Complexity Analyses Of Fatigue
Benjamin Cornish University of Waterloo	Multiscale Entropy For Complex Lower Limb Accelerometry During Walking
Matheus Correia University of Waterloo	Optimized HBM Neck Activation In Lateral Impacts
Simon Friesen University of Waterloo	The Effect Of Hand Load Stability On The Recruitment Of Shoulder Stabilizing Musculature During Bench Press And Military Press V
Prasannaah Hadagali University of Waterloo	Effect of Rotary-Wing Aircrew Head-Supported Mass in Flexion Position on the Tissue-Level Response of the Neck: An FE Study
Dveeta Lal University of Toronto	Side To Side Diferences In Lower Extremity Fatigue
Jenna Pitman University of Guelph	Spatial Context Of Visual Information: Influence On Performance Of A Walking Turn
Emily Roberts University of Windsor	Head Impacts In Youth Hockey.
Julia Shannon University of Guelph	High Intensity Interval Training Vs Moderate Intensity Continuous Training In Parkinson’s Disease
Kathryn Webster University of Waterloo	The Influence Of Swim Bench Rotation Settings On Upper Body Kinematics And Muscle Activity Patterns In Simulated Swimming
Mitchel Whittal Wilfrid Laurier University	Cyclic Tensile Loading And IL-1β Stimulation
Prabhlin Aujla McMaster University	How Lumbar Spine Positioning Affects Clinical Diagnosis Of Osteoporosis And Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Measures
Stefania DiLeo University of Toronto	Kinematic Outcomes After FAIS Treatment
Jason Hunter University of Waterloo	Subject-Specific Active Control Of A Stroke Rehabilitation Robot
Colin Dunne Brock University	Investigating Portable Instrumentation To Profile Kinematics And Plantar Pressure During On-Ice Starts
Fatima Gafoor McMaster University	Validation Of Physical Activity Levels From Shank-Placed Axivity Ax6 Accelerometers
Courtney Hlady University of Toronto	Hip Kinematics And Sport Specialization
Kate Krivenko University of Waterloo	Tablet And Computer Tasks Completed In Sitting And Standing
Jonah Leinwand University of Waterloo	A Novel Compliant Support Mechanism For Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement
Xinyi (Julia) Li University of Waterloo	Validation Of A 2D Video-Based Ergonomics Assessment Tool
Hailey Nestor University of Waterloo	Efficacy Of A Device To Reduce Neck Muscle EMG During NVG Use
Katarina Osojnicki University of Guelph	Relationship Between Sleep And Physical Activity In Preschool-Aged Children Over 1-Year
Sasha Renton De Lannoy University of Toronto	Lower Extremity Emg Mapping
Meera Sayal Brock University	Cross Education And Robotic Rehabilitation
Samantha Segal University of Guelph	Intervertebral Disc Degeneration In Menopause
Juliana Bossom University of Waterloo	Effects Of Female Sex Hormones On Lumbar Spine And Hip Passive Stiffness
Lia Tennant University of Waterloo	Diurnal Variation In Axial Lumbar Impacts
Malinda Hapuarachchi University of Toronto	Characterizing Vertical Jump Kinetics In Field Hockey Canada Development Pathway Athletes
Jordan Hobson University of Waterloo	Panoramic Compared To Site-Specific B-Mode Ultrasound Over The Lateral Hip
Aleksander Rycman University of Waterloo	Strains In The Cervical Spinal Cord

Organizing committee

OBC 2023 was organized by Dr. Andrew Laing, Dr. Jack Callaghan, and the biomechanics faculty and students of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo.