Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D., P.E.

Our research is focused on human locomotion. We evaluate and develop mobility aids; seek ways to improve health and performance through exercise; and work on the development of new techniques to improve patient care.

Our current research is aimed at improving the rehabilitation of Wounded Warriors; developing advanced prosthetics and orthotics; improving wheelchair mobility; designing and developing a pressure microsensor that will measure muscle force in-vivo; and developing methods for field-based monitoring of human movement.

In addition to the patient care focus of our research, we also devote time to direct patient care. The aims of the clinical program are to understand the influence of altered neuromuscular function on movement, provide recommendations for clinical treatment, and perform outcome evaluations.

Health professionals treating patients with neuromusculoskeletal disorders evaluate and treat the patient based on information gained from visual observation, physical examination, manual muscle testing, and testing that is often done in a stationary position (e.g., X-ray, CT, MRI). However, these tests do not tell how a person is functioning. In contrast, we objectively measure dynamic functional impairments. This quantitative information can then be used as a basis for recommendation of a therapeutic intervention.

In 2007, Dr. Kaufman was named the W. Hall Wendel, Jr., Musculoskeletal Research Professor.