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Sports medicine researchers use highspeed motion analysis camera systems to
study the kinematics of sports such as baseball, golf, tennis, and soccer.
Instrumented biomechanical studies of specific movements in these sports have
enabled investigators to divide the motion into phases and identify where,
when, and how injuries occur during specific sports movements. Dancers are
highly trained athletes who are required to perform repetitive, consistent
movements at joint range of motion extremes. However, kinematic or kinetic
descriptions of these movements are extremely limited.
 Unlike the general public, relatively minor injuries in dancers and the elderly
(our two target populations) can present a challenge to their work and daily
life activities. Minor injuries in dancers result in significant financial
cost, both to the individual and the dance company, as a result of their being
unable to perform in their profession. A similar injury in the elderly may
result in lost functional independence, either temporarily or permanently.
Eighty percent of all professional dancers will suffer an injury that will
affect their ability to perform. At least 50% of dancers in larger ballet companies
and 40% in smaller companies will have injuries that prevent them from dancing
in scheduled performances in any given year. The injury rate is higher in dance
than in any professional sport. All large and small dance companies have an
urgent need to reduce the quantity, frequency and severity of injuries to dancers.
Musculoskeletal pathology in the form of orthopedic impairments and arthritis
is the underlying cause of 40% of activity limitations in all age groups within
the US, resulting in an annual cost of greater than $36 billion. The probability
of bone fracture approaches 50% in elderly women; with mortality rates of 25%
following a hip fracture. To date, one of the most effective interventions
for the elderly is appropriate exercise.
The ADAM Center is determined to reduce the drastic human and financial cost
associated with injuries in these two groups by identifying the links between
movement, training, and function. Through our instrumented biomechanical studies
of movements, we will develop programs to enhance the individual's resources
by maximizing movement potential, minimizing injury costs, and promoting general
well-being.
ADAM Center at LIU,
122 Ashland Place #1A,
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-246-6376 Phone
718-246-6383 Fax
adamcenter@brooklyn.liu.edu Email
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