Although human motion has been studied for centuries, we lack some basic information. To add to our knowledge, Taylor Gambon created an award-winning musculoskeletal model of human cycling motion. In research judged Superior by the Sigma Xi board of directors, Taylor developed a way to estimate the muscle forces and joint reactions created during a bike ride.
Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, recognized 24 high school, undergraduate, and graduate students at its 2014 International Research Conference. Superior researchers were nominated for membership by the board.
Taylor, who is advised by Dr. John DesJardins, traveled with a group of students accompanied by mentor Dr. Jorge Rodriguez. An honors research undergraduate student in bioengineering, Taylor is majoring in mechanical engineering.
Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society recognized 24 high school, undergraduate, and graduate students November 8 for their Superior research poster presentations.
Describing her research, Taylor said, “I developed a model featuring a full-body human skeleton supported by reaction forces at the hands (on the handlebars), the pelvis (on the bike seat), and feet (on the pedals).
Force data from the pedals was also integrated into the calculation. With 3D motion capture data as input, the model will estimate muscle forces and joint reactions for the capture period.” Taylor described the conference as an “incredible learning experience.”
