Research summary
Functional mobility relates to a person’s ability to perform everyday activities, such as standing, bending, walking and climbing. Numerous conditions and diseases can affect functional mobility and have an impact on quality of life.
Dr. Karina Lebel, Canada Research Chair in Biomechanical Movement Signature to Better Understand and Reduce Disability, is using advances in motion-capture technology, biomedical sensors and data processing to develop innovative measurement approaches and analytical algorithms to characterize different “signatures”—subtle movement patterns or qualities that are as unique as fingerprints. Deviations from normal signatures may indicate a disability that can be characterized, responded to and followed over time. Ultimately, Lebel and her research team hope that their work will support individualized patient management.