Robin Queen

Motion Analysis

The equipment used in the Granata Lab for monitoring three-dimensional kinematics are state of the art motion capture systems (Qualysis INC, Gothenburg, Sweden).  One system is comprised of ten digital cameras (OQUS 7) that can sample between 3 and 12 megapixels at variable frame rates between 300 and 1100 frames per second at full resolution. Another similar system is comprised of eight digital cameras (MIQUS M1). These cameras are connected to one another and connected through Ethernet cables to the main data collection computers which are further linked to the Qualisys online web service.  The OQUS 7 and MIQUS M1 cameras are used in conjunction with the QTM software (Qualisys, Gothenbjurg, Sweden), which allows data to be collected in real-time.  The real-time collection and display of 3D data allows the lab staff the ability to complete biofeedback projects and provide immediate information to the subjects and patients that are being assessed in the lab.  In addition to the QTM software, which is used for data collection and reduction, the Granata Lab uses Visual 3D (C-Motion, Germantown, MD) software for the processing and reduction of all motion analysis data.  Finally the lab utilizes custom written Matlab software to complete any additional data processing.

Force Plates

The Granata Lab has four AMTI (Watertown, MA) force plates, which are mounted in the floor along a 20 meter walkway.  These four force plates are mounted on a rail system allowing for them to be moved around in various configurations to optimize data collected based on the specific research study.  The force plates can be used to monitor ground reaction forces in the anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, and vertical directions.  In addition, these force plates will calculate the free moment about each one of the previously mentioned axes.  The force and moment data obtained from these force plates can be used to understand both ground reaction forces as well as joint moments, in conjunction with kinematics data, during a wide variety of activities.  In addition to the four imbedded force plates the lab also has 2 portable force plates (bi-axial).  These portable plates are used for the collection of biomechanical data in various settings  as well as being used for demonstrations at off-site facilities.

Pedar-X

The Granata Lab currently has a pedar-X in shoe pressure measurement system (St. Paul, MN).  The pedar-X system is used to monitor the pressure beneath the foot while the subject is wearing shoes.  As part of this system the Granata Lab currently has 7 pairs of insoles ranging from a women’s size 7 through a men’s size 13.   Each insole contains 99 sensors that are can be used to monitor the pressure, force, contact area, contact time, force-time integral, and the timing of the peak pressure.  Once the data has been collected the foot can be divided into various regions in order to examine how specific sections of the foot are being loaded during different activities. The pedar-X system can be used to answer questions related for orthotic design and fabrication as well as specific questions about shoe wear.  The system can be used in isolation or can be time synchronized with the force plates and motion capture system for combined data collection capabilities.

loadsol

The Granata Lab currently has 10 loadsol insoles for the collection of in-shoe pressure data (St. Paul, MN).  The loadsol system is used to monitor the pressure beneath the foot while the subject is wearing shoes similar to the pedar-X system.  Each insole in the loadsol system is a single sensor and is able to be collected through an iDevice (iPod, iPad, iPhone) to allow for collection of data in various settings outside of the lab.  These insoles provide the force time curve for both the left and right foot.  From this information custom matlab codes are used to determine the peak pressure, loading rate, and impulse during a variety of activities in various settings.  The loadsol insoles allow for real-time data collection as well as biofeedback to the subjects during a variety of activities from climbing stairs to running and jumping.

4-Channel EMG System

The Granata Lab has a telemetry based EMG system (Delysis, Natick, MA).  This telemetered system allow for the collection of EMG data without having the subject connected directly to the computer during testing.  The EMG system contains 4 channels, each has an individual transmitter that is a 1 inch square block.  This system allows for much easier data collection during all tasks, but specifically during more dynamic tasks such as running, cutting and jumping.  The EMG system can be used in isolation or can be integrated and time synchronized with the motion capture, force plate, and pedar-X systems depending on the research question.

Performance Testing

The Granata Lab has a variety of performance and functional testing equipment such as Y-Balance kits, Functional Movement Screen kits, a timing system, plyoboxes, and a jump height indicator to name a few.  These pieces of equipment can be used individually or as part of larger research projects based on the research questions.

Effects of Achilles Tendon Assistive Taping in Healthy Recreational Athletes

This study tested the effects of a specific Achilles taping technique during running and jumping tasks. Subjects were outfitted with 3D motion capture markers in order to measure movement and loading during the tasks. Subjects are currently being recruited for the study. Eligible subjects will be between the ages of 18-35, must participate in athletic activities at least 3 times per week, and will have had no leg injuries in the past six months that have kept them from performing athletic activities for more than two days, and no leg injuries at all in the last two months. Testing will take place during one session in the Granata Lab and will last 60-90 minutes. Please email us or call Evan McConnell at (540) 231-4294 if you are interested in participating in this study.

Laboratory

Dr. Queen directs the Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Lab (Granata Lab) at Virginia Tech and thus has full access to all of its resources. The Granata Lab encompasses 2,500 sq. ft. of space in Norris Hall on the Virginia Tech campus. Norris Hall is one of the engineering buildings on the Virginia Tech campus and houses faculty offices and classrooms for the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics. The Granata Lab contains office space for postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students. Dr. Queen’s office is also located in Norris Hall in close proximity to the Granata Lab. Most of the laboratory space is used for motion capture as well as biofeedback training. All of the laboratory equipment is around the perimeter of the lab, which allows for ample open floor space for all necessary training. In addition, the elastic bands that are needed for the tactile biofeedback portion of the project are currently available in the lab.

Clinical Space

Lewis Gale Sports Medicine – Orthopaedic Surgery Clinics – The sports medicine orthopaedic clinic and affiliated physicians which inlcudes Dr. Farmer’s practice is located near the Virginia Tech campus, approximately a 2 miles from the Granata Lab. In addition, Lewis Gale Sports Medicine has 6 offices throughout southwest Virginia which could be included as additional referral sites if there is any difficulty in recruiting patients to participate in the study. The orthopaedic clinic contains approximately 20 private exam rooms that will be used by the referring physicians when they are recruiting patients for this study and where any necissary clinical evaluations will be completed.  The sports medicine physicians work with both physician’s assistants as well as nurses in the clinical setting.  These physician extenders will be part of the study team and will be asked to help improve subject recruitment and aid in patient retention throughout the course of the research study.

Carilion Orthopaedic Clinics – The sports medicine orthopaedic clinic and affiliated physicians, have clinic facilities throughout Southwest Virginia.  The closest Carilion Orthopedic clinic is located adjacent to the Virginia Tech campus, approximately a quarter of a mile from the Granata Lab.  The orthopaedic clinics contain private exam rooms that are used by the referring physicians when they are recruiting patients for this study and where any necessary clinical evaluations will be completed.  The extended clinical team (nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and scheduling staff) are all part of our study team in order to optimize subject recruitment and aid in patient retention throughout the course of every research study. In addition, the Carilion Orthopedic facility adjacent to the Virginia Tech campus contains an outpatient physical therapy facility that can be used in the collection of physical performance tests, clinical evaluations as well as patient reported outcomes. Carilion Orthopedics also has a state of the art clinical and research space in the Institute for Orthopedics and Neurology (ION Building) located in Roanoke, VA.  This facility serves as a major referral site for patients interested in participating in our research projects.  Some of the clinical research studies in the Granata Lab will be completed in collaboration with the physician and physical therapists at the ION building in Roanoke, VA.

Athletics at Virginia Tech – The Granata Lab works closely with the sports medicine providers at Virginia Tech on both research projects as well as aiding in athlete performance testing throughout the year.  Collaborative research projects are being completed between the department of athletics and the Granata Lab.  Performance based testing and biofeedback interventions are being completed in the Virginia Tech Athletic Training Room on a variety of projects allowing the Granata Lab team to complete work in a variety of settings.

Gender Differences in the Performance Response to Brace Wear Following ACL Reconstruction

This study examines how wearing a brace changes physical performance in males and females who have undergone ACL reconstruction surgery. Subjects will perform several running, jumping, and hopping tasks both with and without a custom-fit functional knee brace. Subjects are currently being recruited for the study. Testing will be done on subjects will have undergone ACL reconstruction surgery and will be within three weeks of returning to sport-related activities. Subjects who have undergone ACL reconstruction surgery but have not yet returned to sports are encouraged to contact the lab so that we can schedule testing at the time of return to sport. Knee braces will be provided for subjects that meet all study criteria. Testing will take place in the Granata Lab during two separate sessions three months apart, with each session lasting about one hour. Subjects will be compensated $20 for each session. Please email us or call us at (540) 231-4294 if you are interested in participating in this study.