ProfessorBrian Caulfield

My research is primarily concerned with the judicious exploitation of advances in technology to enhance human performance in health and sport. Recent years have witnessed an explosion in the availability of inexpensive sensors and neuroprosthetic devices that open up a wide range of possibilities to the rehabilitation and sport science community. However, the application of these technology platforms to specific needs in health and sport is not a straightforward process and requires extensive input from a variety of stakeholders, including technologists, end user groups and relevant application domain experts. In my research I work closely with other healthcare practitioners, social scientists, computer scientists, and biomedical engineers to develop and evaluate new applications in health and sport using a range of technology platforms.

Examples of ongoing or recently completed projects include:
1. Leveraging wearable sensor technology to understand or enhance human performance in health and sport. Applications include
a. Developed a novel plastic optical fiber sensor for measurement and control of spinal posture in the workplace.
b. Use of inertial sensors to develop interactive biofeedback applications for orthopaedic rehabilitation
c. Design and field testing of custom measurement and feedback solutions for sports performance enhancement.

2. Design and validation of novel electrical muscle stimulation technologies. Applications include EMS solutions for : a. Stress urinary incontinence b. Obesity c. Chronic low back pain d. Heart failure.

3. Identification of causes of and optimal intervention strategies for recurrent musculoskeletal injuries such as patellofemoral pain and ankle instability. In this work we have identified the motor control deficit that is associated with dysfunctional control of ankle stability during dynamic loading activities and have evaluated the impact of various intervention strategies on this control.