Western Institute of Neuromechanics
Ongoing Research Projects
The effects of exercise type and elbow angle on vertical ground reaction forces and muscle activity in healthy subjects during a push-up plus exercise.
The push-up plus exercise is characterized by a standard push-up motion with a protraction of the shoulder blade (pushing the shoulders forward) upon completion of the push-up repetition. Proper positioning of the scapula (shoulder blade) during upper extremity movement is crucial for the maintenance of optimal muscle lengths, force production, bony and soft tissue alignment, and joint function and health.
The purpose of this study will be to examine the effect of push-up plus variant type and elbow position on vertical ground reaction force and electromygraphical (EMG) activity of four shoulder stabilizer muscles. The results of this project will be used to help guide the prescription of rehabilitation exercises for patients with shoulder injury.
If you are interested in volunteering for the study please contact Dr. Jun San Juan, ATC at westernneuromechanics@gmail.com or call him at 541-338-7088.
Future Research
Examining the effects of dry needling in treating myofascial trigger points in patients with chronic knee pain and low back pain.
Myofascial trigger points (MTrP) are hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band. Numerous studies have shown that presence of MTrPs is associated with knee pain and low back pain. The goal of this research study is to determine the impact of dry needling in reducing chronic knee and back pain.
Kinematic and EMG analysis of high school runners.
The goal of this research study is to analyze the running kinematics of high school runners before and after a strength training program to assist with injury prevention.
Publications
Roach, S., Sorenson, E., Headley, B., San Juan, JG (2011). Myofascial Trigger Points in the Hip as a Contributing Factor in Patellofemoral Pain. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy (under review).
Suprak, DN., Donegan, JA., Morales, GB., Stroschein, JR., San Juan, JG (2011). Scapular kinematics are altered by shoulder elevation in a traditional push-up. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy (under review).
San Juan, JG., Kosek, P., Karduna, AR (2011). Humeral head translation after a suprascapular nerve block. Journal of Applied Biomechanics (under review)
San Juan, JG., Karduna, AR (2010) Measuring humeral head translation using fluoroscopy: A validation study. Journal of Biomechanics. 43(4): 771-774.
Sorenson, E. (2009) Functional movement screen as a predictor of injury in high school basketball athletes. Doctoral dissertation, University of Oregon.
San Juan, JG., Yaggie, JA., Levy, S., Mooney, V., Udermann, BE., Mayer, JM (2005). Effects of pelvic stabilization on lumbar muscle activity during dynamic exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 19(4): 903-7.
