Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory

The dual mission of the lab is to:
Determine how task variables alter the physiological processes required for optimal motor performance, and

Apply these findings to the development of evidence-based strategies to prevent and treat work-related musculoskeletal injury.

Personnel: (photo l-r)
Jennifer Stephenson, MS (Graduate Student)
Masataka Umeda, PhD (Post-Doctoral Research Assistant)
Jackie Balter, MS (Professional Research Assistant)
Katrina Maluf, PT, PhD (Director)
Bahar Shahidi (DPT Student Research Assistant)
Cindy Johnson, PT, CHT (PT Faculty Researcher)
Angie Bruflat (DPT Student Research Assistant)
Ryan Marker (DPT Student Research Assistant)

Office:: Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Program
Anschutz Medical Campus
13001 E. 17th Place-Bldg. 500, Rm. EG501
Aurora, CO 80045
Phone:: 303-724-0066 or fax 303-724-0863
Email:: katrina.maluf@uchsc.edu

Effects of Mental Concentration on Intrinsic Activation of Human Motor Neurons. Although biomechanical and psychosocial variables have been identified as independent risk factors in the development of musculoskeletal injury, physiologic mechanisms that underlie potential interactions among these risk factors remain poorly understood. This project uses single motor unit recordings to estimate the contribution of persistent inward currents to changes in tonic activation of the upper trapezius muscle during the performance of cognitive tasks with different concentration demands.

Evaluation of a Novel Biofeedback Approach in Patients with Work-Related Neck Pain. The increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace has been identified as one of the greatest health concerns faced by industrialized nations. Although excessive muscle activity is thought to play a role in the development of work-related neck and shoulder pain, relatively few studies have examined the use of biofeedback in this clinical population. The goal of this clinical investigation is to compare the short- and long-term efficacy of a novel biofeedback intervention on upper trapezius muscle activity, pain, and disability in individuals with work-related neck and shoulder pain.

We use a translational approach which combines applied clinical methodologies with standard electrophysiological techniques such as surface and intramuscular EMG recordings, muscle and nerve stimulation, and cardiovascular monitoring.
The laboratory is equipped with physiological data acquisition modules used to monitor EMG, force, and cardiovascular signals during isolated muscle contractions and simulated work tasks. Custom equipment is available to measure single and multi-joint kinetics in the upper extremity. An ergonomic workstation with custom-designed software to simulate a variety of clerical tasks is also available.

In Review

National Institutes of Health (NIAMS) R01 Grant
Detection and Treatment of Stress-Evoked Muscle Activity in Occupational Myalgia (Maluf, PI)
National Institutes of Health (NICHD) SBIR Grant
An improved ergonomic harness system for upper-extremity body powered prostheses
(Johnson, PI; Maluf, Co-Investigator)
International Association for the Study of Pain, John J. Bonica Trainee Fellowship
Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain (Umeda, PI; Maluf, Faculty Mentor)

Active

National Institutes of Health (NCRR) K12 Institutional Training Grant (TL1-RR025778) Mechanisms and Treatment of Stress-Evoked Muscle Activity (Sokol, PI; Maluf, CTSI Fellow)
National Institutes of Health (NIAMS) R21 Exploratory Grant (R21-AR054181) , 2007-2009
Effects of Psychosocial Stress on Intrinsic Activation of Human Motor Neurons (Maluf, PI)
National Institutes of Health Clinical Loan Repayment Grant, 2004-2009
Clinical Investigations of Neuromuscular Activation (Maluf, PI)

Recently Completed

Foundation for Physical Therapy Magistro Research Grant, 2007
Evaluation of a Novel Biofeedback Approach in Patients with Work-related Neck Pain (Maluf, PI)

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis for Graduate Students and Post-Doctoral Associates who are interested in conducting basic and/or applied research in the fields of neuromuscular physiology or work-related musculoskeletal injury. Work Study and Clinical Research Affiliation opportunites also are available for students in the entry-level DPT Program at UCD.
To apply for these opportunities;
e-mail statement of interest and curriculum vitae to Dr. Katrina Maluf at katrina.maluf@uchsc.edu