Research
Our lab has three main research areas.
1. Prosthetics and orthotics research
Our prosthetics and orthotics research has three focus areas:
Improved training program for fall prevention for people with lower extremity amputation
Led by Dr. Kaufman, our lab is working to accelerate the rehabilitation process with a perturbation-based treadmill technique. We're also studying methods to significantly reduce fall risk and to facilitate return of maximal functional capabilities. Our research expands on previous work with wounded service members who were cleared to return to high-level activities. Current projects are expanding balance training to nonmilitary populations who are very early in their rehabilitation journey after a lower extremity amputation.
Optimizing daily function for people with lower extremity limb amputation and neuromuscular conditions
We're exploring ways to introduce objective data from the laboratory to better optimize orthotic and prosthetic care. Patients work closely with an orthotic and prosthetic provider and make multiple visits to our lab. The research team uses the data to iteratively update or change the devices used by the patient to improve overall function, in hopes of a more efficient care pathway for patients and providers.
Evaluation of custom dynamic orthosis best practices
The lab is a participating site in this University of Iowa-led research study to systematically evaluate orthosis outcomes in people with severe foot and ankle trauma. This crossover-controlled clinical trial is providing data-driven guidance for fitting carbon fiber custom dynamic orthoses. The study is called From Opinion to Evidence: Multi-site Evaluation of Custom Dynamic Orthosis Best Practices.
2. Rehabilitation, physical activity and quality-of-life research
This research has two focus areas:
Developing custom algorithms to measure activity outside the laboratory setting
Accelerometry-based activity monitoring provides a method to objectively measure actual performance of physical activity in everyday life and over an extended period in a person's home setting. This method offers quantifiable outcomes that may provide novel insights into the effects of interventions on physical functioning.
General physical performance testing services
We provide human performance testing services for principal investigators both within and outside of Mayo Clinic. Services include quantitative strength testing, respiratory function, mobility assessments, activity quantification, motion capture and more. Our lab staff members are trained to conduct test protocols for multicenter, multivisit studies and to provide test data back to the site principal investigator.
3. Musculoskeletal system research
Musculoskeletal system research in the Motion Analysis Laboratory has several ongoing projects targeting the entire human body. Current projects include range-of-motion after total shoulder arthroplasty compared with normal movement, loading of the spine during activities of daily living, gait in people with neurological disorders, and sports performance measurements. We're also an active collaborator on a group of projects performing intraoperative measures of muscle force production to better describe function before and after injuries.
Funding
Dr. Kaufman's lab receives funding from a variety of sources, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and others.
Here are our current grants:
| Investigator & Role |
Grant Title |
Funding Source |
Duration |
| Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D., P.E., co-investigator |
From Opinion to Evidence: Multi-site Evaluation of Custom Dynamic Orthosis Best Practices |
Department of Defense |
9/1/2022-8/31/2026 |
| Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D., P.E., co-investigator |
Intraoperative Optimization and Validation of Musculoskeletal Reconstruction |
Department of Veterans Affairs |
1/1/2022-12/31/2025 |
| Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D., P.E., principal investigator |
Improved Training Program for Fall Prevention of War Fighters With Lower Extremity Trauma |
Department of Defense |
4/1/2021-8/31/2025 |
| Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D., P.E., principal investigator |
Optimizing Daily Function for People with Lower Extremity Limb Amputation and Neuromuscular Conditions |
State of Minnesota |
1/1/2024-6/30/2025 |