Research Areas

Biomechanical Effects of Forefoot Deformities and Surgical Reconstruction

This research focuses on understanding how forefoot deformities and their surgical correction influence plantar pressure distribution and gait biomechanics during walking. Forefoot pathologies such as hammertoes are associated with elevated plantar pressures beneath the toes, contributing to pain, skin breakdown, and ulcer risk. By analyzing pre‑ and postoperative gait mechanics and plantar loading patterns, this work evaluates how surgical interventions, including forefoot reconstruction procedures such as Keller arthroplasty, alter lower‑extremity function. The goal of this research is to improve functional assessment and inform evidence‑based surgical decision‑making and postoperative care in patients with forefoot pathology.

Orthotic and Footwear Inventions for Pain and Pressure Reduction

This research investigates how orthotic shoes, prefabricated inserts, and footwear modifications influence plantar pressure distribution and foot pain in individuals with diabetes and other foot pathologies. Increased plantar pressures and biomechanical deformities contribute to complications such as foot pain, calluses, and ulcer formation. Using dynamic in-shoe plantar pressure analysis, this work quantitatively evaluates how different orthotic and footwear strategies redistribute pressure and reduce pain during walking. The goal is to support evidence-based selection of orthotic interventions to reduce the risk of tissue breakdown and improve functional mobility.

Assistive Footwear and Gait Biomechanics after Transmetatarsal Amputation

This research investigates the use of assistive and exoskeleton-based footwear to improve walking biomechanics in individuals with transmetatarsal amputation. Patients with transmetatarsal amputation often exhibit abnormal plantar pressures and ground reaction forces that compromise gait efficiency and stability. This work evaluates whether footwear incorporating energy-storing or spring-based components can improve walking mechanics and reduce biomechanical loading during gait. The broader objective is to enhance functional mobility and walking performance in individuals with transmetatarsal amputation.

Energy Cost of Walking Following Partial-Foot Amputation

This line of research investigates how the metabolic cost of walking varies across different levels of partial-foot amputation in individuals with diabetes. Altered foot mechanics following amputation can significantly impact gait biomechanics and energy expenditure during walking. Using biomechanical and physiological measurements, including oxygen consumption and cardiovascular response, this work compares metabolic demands across amputation levels and relative to age-matched healthy controls. Findings from this research aim to inform rehabilitation strategies and assistive device design for individuals with partial-foot amputations.