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.
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.
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.
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.
The project investigates how the asymmetry between the left and right side of a runner’s body is affected by exhaustion from longer distances. The ground reaction forces acting on the body will be assessed in a representative training environment on a path throughout the Virginia Tech campus. A volunteer between the ages of 18-35 can participate if he/she meets the following requirements: He/she runs at least 10 miles per week, has not had an injury in the past 12 months that has kept him/her from running for more than 2 days, and has not had an injury within the past 2 months. Eligible subjects will run two runs: a short, two-mile run, and a long, four-mile run, spaced at least a week apart. The data collected from the study will be used to see if differences in asymmetry patterns exist in an outdoor training environment between long and short runs, and if differences in asymmetry patterns exist between males and females. Please email Kristen Renner if you are interested in participating in this study.
The goal of this study is to investigate how having a total ankle replacement affects balance over time. We will be examining the impact that having a total ankle replacement has on both the affected limb and the unaffected limb. When a person tries to stand still, they constantly make small changes in how their weight is distributed. With a replaced ankle joint, these changes become harder to make quickly, and patients can easily lose their balance. We will be using data that has been collected on hundreds of ankle replacement patients from before surgery though a 2 year follow-up assessment in order to understand how their balance is affected. As well as examining how these patients use other joints in order to compensate for deficiencies in mobility and proprioceptive feedback at the ankle.
This study evaluates mechanical changes and joint loading resulting from the progression of knee osteoarthritis. Subjects will be outfitted with reflective markers and in-shoe pressure sensors while performing walking, sit-to-stand, and gait assessment testing. Subjects are currently being recruited for the study. Eligible subjects will be between the ages of 40 and 75, must have been diagnosed with unilateral knee osteoarthritis, may not have pain in their other knee, a previous joint replacement, neurological disease, and must not have any assistive device impacting balance and walking. Testing will take place during one session in the Granata Lab and will last approximately 1 hour. Please email us or call us at (540) 231-4294 if you are interested in participating in this study.
