The Impact of Race on Plantar Loading and Research Engagement

African Americans are more likely than White Americans to experience foot ulcers and are twice as likely to experience diabetes-related foot amputation due to foot ulcers. High plantar loading is a major factor in the development of many diabetes-related foot ulcers. While it is known that diabetic foot neuropathy, foot type, and sex can impact plantar loading, limited research has been conducted to examine the effect of race on plantar loading variables. This study identifies a gap in the existing literature on plantar loading differences in racial groups and additionally assesses research engagement in African American young adults. It is critical that racial minorities are included in research to strengthen the generalizability of findings and reduce racial health disparities. However, there is a unique challenge of gathering participants for this study. With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current state of racial health disparities, it cannot be assumed that young African American adults have the same attitudes towards research engagement as the older members of the community or younger White Americans. Therefore, there are two objectives of this study: 1) To determine if race and other factors are significant predictors of plantar loading, and 2) To identify racial differences in research engagement in young adults between African Americans and White Americans. If you’d like to participate in this study, please contact Julia Brisbane at juliabris@vt.edu.

Professor Kevin Granata was a man with a sharp intellect who answered a call to serve the cause of scholarship and higher education. He died protecting students after he shepherded them into his office in order to safeguard them, and after he went to investigate and intervene.

Professor Granata was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio and received undergraduate degrees from Ohio State University in electrical engineering and physics. He later earned a Master’s degree in physics from Purdue University. Thereafter, he worked in the Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland. He received his doctoral degree in biomedical engineering from Ohio State University and then worked in the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Virginia, where he was the director of the Gait Laboratory.

Professor Granata was recruited to ESM to continue his teaching and research interests. He had numerous publications and research grants and lectured both nationally and internationally. He distinguished himself by making many outstanding scholarly contributions. In particular, he developed innovative methods to quantify low back stability that are considered cutting edge by other leaders in the field. He served as mentor for numerous students and junior professors. When Dr. Granata was promoted to the rank of professor, one of these professors conveyed, “Countless times he has provided me with valuable guidance on research-related matters such as student advising, experimental issues, and manuscript preparation.”

Leaders in the field of biomechanics called him “among the top five biomechanics researchers in the country working on movement dynamics in cerebral palsy”, as being “nationally recognized for his research”, “as an internationally outstanding scholar and educator”, as “often finding themselves quoting from Dr. Granata’s papers”.

Professor Granata’s greatest passion and pride was his family, especially his wife and children. He was also an athlete. He rowed crew at Purdue, participated in biathlons and triathlons and was an avid runner and cyclist. He loved coaching his sons’ Lacrosse teams.

He served Virginia Tech with pride and dedication. We became better because of him. We will recover, rebuild, rejuvenate and excel in his memory. He will not be forgotten.

A trust fund controlled by his family, which will contribute to the support of his wife and three children, has been established in honor of Dr. Granata. Contributions can be made to Kevin P. Granata Memorial Trust, StellarOne 2280 Kraft Drive Suite 1000, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

— His colleagues and friends from Virginia Tech. We are Virginia Tech. We will remain ESM.