Speakers and Key Personnel  

FFT was founded and refined by Ron Alexander during eight years continuous service as the Principal Remedial Musculoskeletal Therapist for the Australian Ballet Company. Currently co-investigator of a randomized clinical trial of FFT for low back pain (PhD), conducted at Deakin University Melbourne. Ron has presented FFT to the Football Association (UK), the World Congress on Lower Back and Pelvic Pain, Barcelona and the Inaugural Fascia Research Congress, Harvard.

Some Related Publications:

1. Alexander R. Functional fascial taping for lower back pain: A case report. J Bodywork Movement Ther 12 (3): 263-264, 2008
2. Spina R, Cameron M, Alexander R. The effect of Functional Fascial Taping on Morton's Neuroma. The Australasian Chiropractic and Osteopathic Journal. July Vol 10, No. 1. 2002.
3. Khan K, Brown J, Way S, Vass n, Crichton K, Alexander R, Baxter A, Butler M, Wark J. Overuse injuries in classical ballet. Sports Med, May;19(5):341-57. 1995.

Al Banes PhD is Professor in the Departments of Orthopedics and Biomedical Engineering, UNC School of Medicine. His research interests are in cytomechanics, gap junction biochemistry, cell-cell signaling and growth factors. He has many patents on methods for cell cultures and is president of Flexcell International Corporation.

Some Related Publications:

1. Devkota, A. C., M. Tsuzaki, L. C. Almekinders, A. J. Banes, and P. S. Weinhold, 2007, Distributing a fixed amount of cyclic loading to tendon explants over longer periods induces greater cellular and mechanical responses: Journal of Orthopaedic Research, v. 25, no. 8, p. 1078-1086.
2. Qi, J., A. M. Fox, L. G. Alexopoulos, L. Chi, D. Bynum, F. Guilak, and A. J. Banes, 2006, IL-1beta decreases the elastic modulus of human tenocytes: Journal of Applied Physiology, v. 101, no. 1, p. 189-195.
3. Jones, B. F., M. E. Wall, R. L. Carroll, S. Washburn, and A. J. Banes, 2005, Ligament cells stretch-adapted on a microgrooved substrate increase intercellular communication in response to a mechanical stimulus: Journal of Biomechanics, v. 38, no. 8, p. 1653-1664.
4. Wall, M. E., and A. J. Banes, 2005, Early responses to mechanical load in tendon: role for calcium signaling, gap junctions and intercellular communication. Journal of Musculoskeletal Neuronal Interactions, v. 5, no. 1, p. 70-84.
5. Banes, A. J., M. Tsuzaki, J. Yamamoto, T. Fischer, B. Brigman, T. Brown, and L. Miller, 1995, Mechanoreception at the cellular level: the detection, interpretation, and diversity of responses to mechanical signals Biochemistry & Cell Biology, v. 73, no. 7-8, p. 349-365.

Geoffrey Bove, DC, PhD, is a graduate of Hampshire College, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He is currently a Senior Research Scientist at the University of Southern Maine, in Portland. His research interests have focused on peripheral mechanisms of pain and autonomic balance, specifically due to inflammation and deep tissue innervation and physiology. He has published numerous manuscripts in such venues as Journal of Physiology, JAMA, Journal of Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, and JMPT. He has been awarded grants through the National Institutes of Health and other agencies, serves on various grant and manuscript review panels, and presents his research world wide.

Some Related Publications:

1. Bove GM. Epi-perineurial anatomy, innervation, and axonal nociceptive mechanisms. J Bodywork Movement Ther 12 (3): 185-190, 2008
2. Dilley A, Bove GM. Resolution of inflammation induced axonal mechanical sensitivity and conduction slowing in C-fiber nociceptors. Journal of Pain, 9, 185-192, 2008
3. Dilley A, Bove GM. Disruption of axoplasmic transport induces mechanical sensitivity in intact C-fibre nociceptor axons. Journal of Physiology, 586, 593-604, 2008
4. Bove, GM. Peripheral Nerve Biology and Concepts of Nerve Pathophysiology. In Haldeman S, ed. Principles and Practice of Chiropractic 3rd ed. New York: McGraw Hill. p 289-299, 2004
5. Bove GM, Lin H-C, Ransil BJ, Leem J-G. Inflammation induces ectopic mechanical sensitivity in axons of nociceptors innervating deep tissues. Journal of Neurophysiology, 90 1949-1955, 2003
6. Bove GM, Light AR. The nervi nervorum: missing link for neuropathic pain? Pain Forum 6:181-190, 1997
7. Bove GM, Light AR. Calcitonin gene-related peptide and peripherin immuno-reactivity in nerve sheaths. Somatosensory and Motor Research 12:49-57, 1995
8. Bove GM, Light AR. Unmyelinated nociceptors of rat paraspinal tissues. Journal of Neurophysiology 73:1752-1762, 1994

Leon Chaitow ND, DO, graduated from the British College of Naturopathy & Osteopathy (now British College of Osteopathic medicine) in 1960. His postgraduate studies included acupuncture, cranial osteopathy and orthomolecular nutrition during the 1960s and 70s. He was the first naturopath/osteopath appointed as a consultant at a UK medical practice (Marylebone HC, London) 1993 - where he is still on staff. He was appointed senior lecturer and module leader, and part of course design team at what is now School of Integrated Health, University of Westminster in 1993. Since 1983 he has been (and remains) a visiting lecturer at numerous chiropractic, physiotherapy, osteopathic and naturopathic colleges, schools and organizations in Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. Most recently he has been involved with faculty at Bastyr University, National College of Naturopathic Medicine (Portland Oregon), University of Westminster and Southern Cross University, Australia, in developing a Textbook of Naturopathic Physical Medicine which he edited and part wrote – published May 2008 (Elsevier). He is author/editor of over 70 books, including textbooks covering manual methods of treatment, breathing rehabilitation and chronic pain conditions. He was founder and Editor-in-Chief of the peer-reviewed Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies (Elsevier). He retired from the University of Westminster in 2004, after 11 years as Senior Lecturer/module leader in Therapeutic Bodywork and Naturopathy and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University in November 2005, in recognition of "services to Complementary and Osteopathic medicine". He remains active in private and NHS practice when in the UK (approximately half the year) and continues to teach internationally.

Some Related Publications:

1. Chaitow L. 2009 Ligaments and positional release techniques? Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 13(2): IN PRESS (Available on Science Direct)
2. Chaitow L. Chronic pelvic pain: Pelvic floor problems, sacroiliac dysfunction and the trigger point connection. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2007 11(4) 327–339
3. Chaitow L. DeLany J. 2003 Neuromuscular Techniques in Orthopaedics. Techniques in Orthopaedics. 18(1):74-86.
4. Chaitow L. 2004 Breathing Pattern Disorders (BPD), motor control, and Low Back Pain. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. 7(1):33-40.

Shu-Mei Chen PT, PhD is a senior lecturer at the School of Physical Therapy in Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan and has been lecturing on the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. During the past 10 years, she has been both principal and associate investigator in a series of clinical studies, with a special interest in spinal research. She is also an experienced clinician. Currently she is a PhD candidate at the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. The main area of her PhD was Functional Fascial Taping (FFT), where she conducted a clinical trial of FFT for the treatment of non-specific low back pain, as well as investigating the potential mechanism of pain relief of FFT.

Some Related Publications:

1. Wang HY, Ju YH, Chen SM, Lo SK, Jong YJ: Joint ROM limitation in children and young adults with SMA. Archive Physical Medicine Rehabilitation 2004; 85:1689-93.
2. Liu MF & Chen SM: Electromyographic analysis of thigh muscles during four kinds of closed kinetic chain exercises. Formosan Journal of Physical Therapy 2003; 28: 308-316.
3. Lue YJ, Chang JK, Liu MF, Chen SM, Lu YM: Anxiety with lower extremity arthroplasty. Formosan Journal of Physical Therapy 2003; 28：317-323.
4. Chen SM, Liu MF, Wang BM, Huang MH: Chinese translation and adaptation of the Roland-Morris low back pain disability questionnaire. Formosan Journal of Physical Therapy 2003; 28: 324-332.
5. Wang WY, Chen SM: Balance and muscular strength in normal children aged 9-12 years. Kaohsiung Journal of Medical sciences 1999; 15:226-233.
6. Lin JH, Chen SM, Liaw LJ, Lee CH. Study of isometric lifting strength in normal Chinese adults. Kaohsiung Journal of Medical sciences 1996; 12: 400-408.
7. Lin JH, Liaw LJ, Chen SM, Lee CH. A study of different postures on isometric lifting strength in normal college students. Kaohsiung Journal of Medical sciences 1995; 11: 678-685.

Zachary Comeaux is an American trained osteopathic physician with a bias toward an inclusive scope in approaching both science and clinical practice. Influenced by the late Robert Fulford, Comeaux has chosen to try to bridge the gap between physiology and methods derived from the alternative and complementary medical approach to health. Facilitated Oscillatory Release (FOR) is a practical means of accommodating aspects of ‘energy medicine’ with scientifically plausible physiological models for explaining effects. He comes to the conference with the intent of finding scientific collaborators.

Presently, Dr. Comeaux teaches at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, integrating both family medicine and osteopathic manual techniques in the classroom and in half-time clinical practice. Writing is part of his professional and personal interest, recently publishing a conceptual and methods book on FOR, (Harmonic Healing) as well as Fire on the Prairie, the life and times of A.T. Still, founder of osteopathic medicine. Otherwise he enjoys, biking, hiking, gardening, fishing and working with wood.

Some Related Publications:

1. Harmonic healing: A Guide to Facilitated Oscillatory Release and Other Rhythmic Myofascial Techniques, Berkeley, North Atlantic Books, April 2008
2. Clinical Approaches: Facilitated Oscillation, Journal of Bodywork and Manual Therapies v9 #2, April 2005 p 88-98
3. Relanchement 0scillatoire Facilite – une method d’evaluation et traitement dynamique de la dysfunction somatique, Osteopathie Precisement, Summer 2004 n 14 pp.20-26
4. Facilitated Oscillatory Release - A method of dynamic assessment and treatment of somatic dysfunction, American Academy of Osteopathy Journal, vol 13 no 3 pp.30-34, 2003
5. The Role of Vibration and Oscillation in the Development of Osteopathic Thought, The AAO Journal, vol. 10 no. 3 Fall 2000 pp. 19-24

Some Related Publications:

1. Coughlin, P., Manual Therapies, in "Fundamentals of Alternative and Integrative Medicine," 3rd Edition, Saunders, Inc., 2006
2. Coughlin, P., Anatomy of the Spinal Nerve, in: Fundamentals of Chiropractic, Cleveland, C., Redwood, D. eds, Mosby, 2004
3. Coughlin, P., Neurology of the Spinal Nerve, in: Fundamentals of Chiropractic, Cleveland, C., Redwood, D. eds, Mosby, 2004
4. Coughlin, P., contributing editor, "Principles and Practice of Manual Therapeutics," Harcourt Publishing, Inc., 2002

Michel Coppieters is a physiotherapist and clinical scientist with a special interest in minor nerve injuries and pain. His research consists of clinical studies as well as more basic science experiments. The aim of his research is to obtain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of nerve injuries, to develop novel treatment approaches for patients with neuropathic pain and to test the clinical efficacy of these programs. Michel has published widely on this topic and presents frequently at national and international conferences. He is a Senior lecturer and teaches in the undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy programs at The University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.

Some Related Publications:

1. Coppieters MW, Hough AD, Dilley A. Different Nerve Gliding Exercises Induce Different Magnitudes of Median Nerve Longitudinal Excursion: An In Vivo Study Using Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2009. 39(3):
2. Coppieters MW, Butler DS. Do 'sliders' slide and 'tensioners' tension? An analysis of neurodynamic techniques and considerations regarding their application. Man Ther. 2008 Jun;13(3):213-21. Epub 2007 Mar 30.PMID: 17398140
3. Coppieters MW, Alshami AM. Longitudinal excursion and strain in the median nerve during novel nerve gliding exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome. J Orthop Res. 2007 Jul;25(7):972-80.PMID: 17415752
4. Coppieters MW, Alshami AM, Hodges PW. An experimental pain model to investigate the specificity of the neurodynamic test for the median nerve in the differential diagnosis of hand symptoms. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2006 Oct;87(10):1412-7.PMID: 17023255
5. Coppieters MW, Alshami AM, Babri AS, Souvlis T, Kippers V, Hodges PW. Strain and excursion of the sciatic, tibial, and plantar nerves during a modified straight leg raising test. J Orthop Res. 2006 Sep;24(9):1883-9.PMID: 16838375
6. Coppieters MW, Stappaerts KH, Wouters LL, Janssens K. The immediate effects of a cervical lateral glide treatment technique in patients with neurogenic cervicobrachial pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003 Jul;33(7):369-78.PMID: 12918862

Jan Dommerholt is an accomplished and experienced physical therapist and recognized expert in the physical therapy diagnosis and treatment of persons with myofascial pain syndrome, chronic pain syndromes, and whiplash associated disorders. He has participated in several research projects at New York University and in his private practice.

Some Related Publications:

1. Dommerholt J, Mayoral O, Gröbli C. Trigger point dry needling. J Manual Manipulative Ther. 2006;14(4):E70-E87.
2. Dommerholt J, Bron C, Franssen JLM. Myofascial trigger points; an evidence-informed review. J Manual Manipulative Ther. 2006;14(4):203-221.
3. Dommerholt J. Persistent myalgia following whiplash. Curr Pain Headache Rep. Oct 2005;9(5):326-330.
4. Dommerholt J. Complex regional pain syndrome; part 2: physical therapy management. J Bodywork Movement Ther. 2004;8(4):241-248

Thomas Findley, MD, PhD completed his residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Minnesota in 1981 under the guidance of FJ Kottke, MD PhD, one of the founders of that field. While there he also completed his PhD in physical medicine, and received state of the art training in physical therapy, exercise physiology, psychology, and anthropology. At that time that the field of rehabilitation had only limited knowledge about the properties of fascia, and research was limited primarily to work on extensibility of tendon with application of heat. Dr. Findley has extensive training in complementary medicine, beginning with training in acupuncture and homeopathy while a medical student at Georgetown in 1975. He currently is a Certified Advanced Practitioner of Rolfing® and maintains an active clinical practice in Rolfing® Structural Integration in addition to his research activities at the East Orange VA Medical Center, which is a member of the Planetree Network of hospitals incorporating integrative medicine. He spent three years on the faculty of UMDNJ School of Osteopathic Medicine, was co-PI of the NIH sponsored center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine located at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, and was the executive director for the NIH sponsored First International Fascia Research Congress held in Boston in 2007. With Dr. Robert Schleip, he is the editor of Fascia Research, the product of that conference. His current research interests are in modeling of both tissue level changes and postural changes after deep fascial bodywork.

Some Related Publications:

1. Findley T, Schleip R (eds.). Fascia Research - Basic science and implications for conventional and complementary health care. Elsevier, Munich 2007.
2. Hans Chaudhry, PhD; Robert Schleip, MA; Zhiming Ji, PhD; Bruce Bukiet, PhD; Miriam Maney, MS; Thomas Findley, MD, PhD. Three-Dimensional Mathematical Model for Deformation of Human Fasciae in Manual Therapy. JAOA: Vol 108, No 8, August 2008, 379-390.
3. Chaudhry H, Huang C, Schleip R, Ji Z, Bukiet B, Findley T. Viscoelastic Behavior of Human Fasciae Under Extension in Manual Therapy. J. Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 11(2): 159-167, 2007.
4. Ji Z, Findley T, Chaudhry H, Bukiet B. Computational Method to evaluate ankle muscle stiffness with ground reaction forces. J. Rehab Res Dev 41(2): 207-214, 2004.
5. Tate DG, Findley TW, Dijkers M, Nobunaga AI, Karunas R. Clinical Trials in Rehabilitation Medicine. Am. J. Phys Med Rehabil 78(5):486-99, 1999.
6. Federici JF, Guzelsu N, Lim HC, Jannuzzi G, Findley T, Chaudhry HR, Ritter AB. Noninvasive light-reflection technique for measuring soft tissue stretch. Applied Optics 38(31): 6653-6660, 1999.

Willem J Fourie Nat Dipl, PT has thirty years of clinical experience in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including Sports Physiotherapy on Provincial and International level as well as Trauma Rehabilitation in the Mining Industry. At present he is in Private Practice and a Master of Science student in the School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

He started in 2002 as dissector in the School of Anatomical Sciences, paying special attention to the interrelationships of structures on the connective tissue level and how this relates to function. This understanding of interrelationships and function led to an improved movement model for evaluation and therapy, presented in courses internationally over the past 6 years. The emphasis of his academic work has shifted to finding solutions to, and understanding of Post Mastectomy Pain and Dysfunction Syndromes in partnership with the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care (ACPOPC) in the United Kingdom. Overlapping with this, he has recently started mapping the fascial relationships of the thigh, and how this influences knee function.

Some Related Publications:

1. Fourie WJ, Considering wider myofascial involvement as a possible contributor to upper extremity dysfunction following treatment for primary breast cancer. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapy (2008 in press), doi:10.1016 / j.jbmt.2008.04.043
2. Fourie WJ, Fascia lata: Merely a thigh stocking, or a coordinator of complex thigh muscular activity? J Bodywork Movement Ther 12 (3): 265, 2008

Susan Gould-Fogerite, PhD, is the Director of Research for ICAM. Dr. Gould-Fogerite has a long-standing interest in integrating Eastern and Western Philosophy and Medicine. She practices and teaches mind-body interventions including yoga, meditation and breathwork in the Himalayan tradition and does Reiki energy healing. Dr. Gould-Fogerite earned her BS in Medical Technology from Albany Medical College and SUNY at Albany, and her PhD in Microbiology and Immunonoloy from Albany Medical College. Her research in the fields of Vaccinology, Mucosal Immunology, Drug Delivery and Gene Therapy has resulted in numerous presentations, articles and book chapters. Dr. Gould-Fogerite is one of the Scientific Founders of BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc., the first spin-off company from UMDNJ to become publicly traded. She is looking forward to developing and supporting basic and clinical research, in addition to teaching aspects of complementary and alternative medicine.

Some Related Publications:

1. Gould Fogerite S, Goldberg, G. (2006) Overview of Mind Body Therapies in Complementary Therapies for Physical Therapy. Deutsch, J. and Anderson, E, Ed. Saunders, Elsevier Inc. St. Louis MO. pp 84-120.
2. Gould Fogerite, S., Mannino, R.J., and Margolis, D. (2003) Cochleate delivery vehicles: Applications in gene therapy. Drug Delivery Technology. 3: 40-47.
3. Gould Fogerite, S., Kheiri, M., Zhang, F., and Mannino, R.J. (2000) Cochleate delivery vehicles: Applications in vaccine delivery. J. Liposome Res. 10: 339-358.

Warren I. Hammer DC, MS has been in practice in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA since 1959. For the past 25 years he has lectured both nationally and internationally on soft tissue evaluation and treatment by a variety of soft tissue methods. He has written numerous articles including his recent 3rd edition of Functional Soft-Tissue Examination and Treatment by Manual Methods, published by Jones and Bartlett, 2007. He has developed a keen interest in the fascial system and emphasizes methods of its evaluation and treatment.

Some Related Publications:

1. Hammer WI. The effect of mechanical load on degenerated soft tissue. J Bodywork & Movement Therapies 12(3);2008:246-256.
2. Hammer WI, Pfefer MT. Treatment of a case of subacute lumbar compartment syndrome using the Graston technique. J Manipulative Physiol Ther . 2005 Mar-Apr;28(3):199-204. PMID: 15855909
3. Hammer WI. The use of transverse friction massage in the management of chronic bursitis of the hip or shoulder. J Manipulative Physiol Ther . 1993 Feb;16(2):107-11. PMID: 8445352

Dr. Walter Herzog PhD is Professor and Canada Research Chair in Molecular and Cellular Biomechanics in the Faculties of Kinesiology, Engineering and Medicine, University of Calgary. BSc Kinesiology from Federal Technical Institute in Zurich 1977, MSc in Biomechanics from Federal Technical Institute in Zurich 1978, PhD in Biomechanics from University of Iowa, USA, 1985, Postdoc in Clinical Neuroscience and Biomechanics at University of Calgary 1987. Presently he is the Professor and Canada Research Chair in Molecular and Cellular Biomechanics in the Faculties of Kinesiology, Engineering and Medicine, University of Calgary. His research interests are in musculoskeletal biomechanics with focus on mechanisms of muscle contraction, joint loading and musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.

Some Related Publications:

1. Suter E, McMorland GM, Herzog W (2005) Short-term effects of spinal manipulation on H-reflex amplitude in healthy and symptomatic subjects. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 28:667-672.
2. Symons B, Leonard TR, Herzog W (2002) Internal forces sustained by the vertebral artery during spinal manipulative therapy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 25:504-510.
3. Herzog W, Kats M, Symons B (2001) The Effective Forces Transmitted by High-speed, Low-amplitude Thoracic Manipulation. Spine 26 (19):2105-2110.
4. Herzog W, Symons B (2001) The biomechanics of spinal manipulation. Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 13 (2&3):191-216.
5. Herzog W, Scheele D, Conway PJW (1999) Electromyographic responses of back and limb muscles associated with spinal manipulative therapy. Spine 24 (2):146-153.

Research interests: Physiology and pathophysiology of movement control mechanisms. Integration of neuroscience and biomechanics to investigate the nervous system control of joint stability and movement. Key areas include investigation of: effect of conflicting task demands control on spinal control, biomechanical effect of contraction of the intrinsic spinal muscles on stability of the spine, the effect of pain on motor control and possible mechanisms, mechanism of efficacy of therapeutic exercise. Teaching interests: application of motor control and motor learning to musculoskeletal physiotherapy, research methods and design, electromyography, respiratory muscle physiology, principles of therapeutic exercise for management of spinal pain.

Some Related Publications:

1. Mannion, A. F., N. Pulkovski, P. Schenk, P. W. Hodges, H. Gerber, T. Loupas, M. Gorelick, and H. Sprott, 2008, A new method for the noninvasive determination of abdominal muscle feedforward activity based on tissue velocity information from tissue Doppler imaging: J Applied Physiology, v. 104, no. 4, p. 1192-1201.
2. Greig, A. M., K. L. Bennell, A. M. Briggs, and P. W. Hodges, 2008, Postural taping decreases thoracic kyphosis but does not influence trunk muscle electromyographic activity or balance in women with osteoporosis: Manual Therapy, v. 13, no. 3, p. 249-257.
3. O'Leary, S., D. Falla, P. W. Hodges, G. Jull, and B. Vicenzino, 2007, Specific therapeutic exercise of the neck induces immediate local hypoalgesia: Journal of Pain, v. 8, no. 11, p. 832-839.
4. Whittaker, J. L., J. A. Thompson, D. S. Teyhen, and P. Hodges, 2007, Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging of pelvic floor muscle function: Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, v. 37, no. 8, p. 487-498.
5. Ferreira, M. L., P. H. Ferreira, and P. W. Hodges, 2007, Changes in postural activity of the trunk muscles following spinal manipulative therapy: Manual Therapy, v. 12, no. 3, p. 240-248.
6. Falla, D., G. Jull, T. Russell, B. Vicenzino, and P. Hodges, 2007, Effect of neck exercise on sitting posture in patients with chronic neck pain: Physical Therapy, v. 87, no. 4, p. 408-417.

Peter Hollander PhD was dean of the School of Movement Sciences from 1998 to 2007 and has been active in sports related exercise physiology with an emphasis on swimming.

Some Related Publications:

1. Valent, L. J., A. J. Dallmeijer, H. Houdijk, J. Slootman, T. W. Janssen, A. P. Hollander, and L. H. van der Woude, 2007, The individual relationship between heart rate and oxygen uptake in people with a tetraplegia during exercise: Spinal Cord, v. 45, no. 1, p. 104-111.
2. Eggermont, L. H., M. J. van Heuvelen, B. L. van Keeken, A. P. Hollander, and E. J. Scherder, 2006, Walking with a rollator and the level of physical intensity in adults 75 years of age or older: Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, v. 87, no. 5, p. 733-736.
3. de, G. S., H. E. Veeger, A. P. Hollander, and L. H. van der Woude, 2005, Influence of task complexity on mechanical efficiency and propulsion technique during learning of hand rim wheelchair propulsion: Medical Engineering & Physics, v. 27, no. 1, p. 41-49.
4. de Ruiter, C. J., S. M. Van Raak, J. V. Schilperoort, A. P. Hollander, and H. A. de, 2003, The effects of 11 weeks whole body vibration training on jump height, contractile properties and activation of human knee extensors: European Journal of Applied Physiology, v. 90, no. 5-6, p. 595-600.
5. Bijker, K. E., G. G. de, and A. P. Hollander, 2002, Differences in leg muscle activity during running and cycling in humans: European Journal of Applied Physiology, v. 87, no. 6, p. 556-561.
6. Berger, M. A., A. P. Hollander, and G. G. de, 1999, Determining propulsive force in front crawl swimming: a comparison of two methods: Journal of Sports Sciences, v. 17, no. 2, p. 97-105.

Dr. Peter Huijing, a physiologist and keynote presenter from the first fascia conference, is the recipient of the prestigious Muybridge Award for his work on fascial connections and force transmission within muscle tissue and between muscles.

Some Related Publications:

1. Huijing PA, Baan GC. Myofascial Force Transmission via Extramuscular Pathways Occurs between Antagonistic Muscles. Cells Tissues Organs. 2008 Mar 19
2. Huijing PA. Epimuscular myofascial force transmission between antagonistic and synergistic muscles can explain movement limitation in spastic paresis.J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2007 Dec;17(6):708-24
3. Meijer HJ, Baan GC, Huijing PA. Myofascial force transmission is increasingly important at lower forces: firing frequency-related length-force characteristics of rat extensor digitorum longus. Acta Physiol (Oxf). 2006 Mar;186(3):185-95
4. Yücesoy CA. Maas H. Koopman BH. Grootenboer HJ. Huijing PA. Mechanisms causing effects of muscle position on proximo-distal muscle force differences in extra-muscular myofascial force transmission. Medical Engineering & Physics. 28(3):214-26, 2006.
5. Huijing PA, Jaspers RT. Adaptation of muscle size and myofascial force transmission: a review and some new experimental results. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2005 Dec;15(6):349-80
6. Smeulders MJ. Kreulen M. Hage JJ. Huijing PA. van der Horst CM. Spastic muscle properties are affected by length changes of adjacent structures. Muscle & Nerve. 32(2):208-15, 2005.
7. Huijing PA. Muscular force transmission necessitates a multilevel integrative approach to the analysis of function of skeletal muscle. Exercise & Sport Sciences Reviews. 31(4):167-75, 2003.

Dominik Irnich, MD, is head of the Interdisciplinary Pain Centre at the University of Munich. He has passed his post doctoral lecture qualification (Habilitation) at the University of Munich on the issue acupuncture (appellation "Privatdozent PD" equal assistant professor).

Dr. Irnich is a renowned expert of acupuncture research and invited lecturer on acupuncture at different universities and Instutions in Germany, Europe and USA (e.g. Harvard Medical School Boston USA, Royal College of Physicians London BMAS, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, American Academy of Medical Acupuncture Chicago, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University Frankfurt, University of Heidelberg, University of Tokio, University of Cairo).

He was responsible conductor of a research grant from the German Ministery of Education and Research on acupuncture.

He is laureate of the Dr. Heinz and Helene Adam Award (1995, 10.000 DM), DKV-Cochrane-Award (2001, 25.000 DM), Award of Bayerischen Landesbank (2002, 8000 €) and AMS Award (2008, 20.000 $)

Dr Irnich has a Certificate of Acupuncture, a Certificate of Chinese Massage and a Certificate of Qigong (China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Centre, WHO Collaborating Centre of Traditional Chinese Medicine), a Certificate of Acupuncture (A, B) of the German Medical Acupuncture Association (DÄGfA) and a Certificate on Natural Medicine (Naturopathy) of KneippÄrztebund and is a practicing acupuncturist.

Dr. Irnich is member of the faculty at different institutions: German Medical Acupuncture Association (DÄGfA), Acupuncture Course at Julius-Maximilians-University of Regensburg, KneippÄrztebund, Structural Acupuncture Course for Physicians at Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.

His fields of research include basic science research (physiology of peripheral nociception including acupuncture) and clinical research on Acupuncture and Pain (research methodology, clinical effectiveness). Dr Irnich has published 34 originalia, 19 chapter in different textbooks, proceedings, reviews and editorials, 43 abstracts of poster and oral presentations and has given more than 100 invited lectures.

Some Related Publications:

1. Kramer S, Winterhalter K, Schober G, Becker U, Wiegele, Kutz D. Kolb F, Zaps D, Lang P, Irnich D. Characteristics of Electrical Skin Resistance at Acupuncture Points in Healthy Humans. J Altern Compl Med, 2009 in press.
2. Wiegele B, Schober G, Kuder J, Kolb FP, Irnich D. [A new sensor technique for measurements of electrical potential profiles of human skin at acupuncture points]. Forsch Komplementmed. 2006 Aug;13(4):227-32
3. Brinkhaus B, Witt CM, Jena S, Linde K, Streng A, Wagenpfeil S, Irnich D, Walther HU, Melchart D, Willich SN. Acupuncture in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med. 2006 Feb 27;166(4):450-7.
4. Melchart D, Streng A, Hoppe A, Brinkhaus B, Witt C, Wagenpfeil S, Pfaffenrath V, Hammes M, Hummelsberger J, Irnich D, Weidenhammer W, Willich SN, Linde K. Acupuncture in patients with tension-type headache: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2005 Aug 13;331(7513):376-82.
5. Irnich D, Behrens N, Gleditsch JM, Stör W, Schreiber MA, Schöps P, Vickers AJ, Beyer A. Immediate effects of dry needling and acupuncture at distant points in chronic neck pain: results of a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial. Pain. 2002 Sep;99(1-2):83-9
6. Irnich D, Behrens N, Molzen H, König A, Gleditsch J, Krauss M, Natalis M, Senn E, Beyer A, Schöps P (2001) Randomised trial of acupuncture compared with conventional massage and "sham" laser acupuncture for treatment of chronic neck pain. BMJ 322 (7302):1574-8
7. Irnich D, Burgstahler R, Bostock H, Grafe P (2001) ATP affects both axons and Schwann cells of unmyelinated C fibres. Pain 92:343-350

Yasuo Kawakami completed Bachelor of Physical Education and Master of Science degrees at the University of Tokyo between 1983-90, and was given PhD from the University of Tokyo in 1995 (Biomechanics). Now he is a professor at Faculty of Sport Sciences of Waseda University, lecturing in biomechanics and biodynamics. His main research interest is in the area of muscle mechanics, particularly on muscle behavior in vivo and during human movements. Effects of training, growth, aging, and fatigue on human muscles are also in the scope of his research.

Some Related Publications:

1. Kawakami Y, Abe T, Kanehisa H, Fukunaga T. Human skeletal muscle size and architecture: variability and interdependence. Am J Hum Biol. 2006 Nov-Dec;18(6):845-8.
2. Kawakami Y, Muraoka T, Ito S, Kanehisa H, Fukunaga T. In vivo muscle fibre behaviour during counter-movement exercise in humans reveals a significant role for tendon elasticity. J Physiol. 2002 Apr 15;540(Pt 2):635-46.
3. Kawakami Y, Ichinose Y, Fukunaga T. Architectural and functional features of human triceps surae muscles during contraction. J Appl Physiol. 1998 Aug;85(2):398-404.
4. Kawakami Y, Abe T, Kuno SY, Fukunaga T. Training-induced changes in muscle architecture and specific tension. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1995;72(1-2):37-43.
5. Kawakami Y, Abe T, Fukunaga T. Muscle-fiber pennation angles are greater in hypertrophied than in normal muscles. J Appl Physiol. 1993 Jun;74(6):2740-4.
6. Kawakami Y, Amemiya K, Kanehisa H, Ikegawa S, Fukunaga T. Fatigue responses of human triceps surae muscles during repetitive maximal isometric contractions. J Appl Physiol. 2000 Jun;88(6):1969-75.

Some Related Publications:

1. Smeulders MJC, Kreulen M. Myofascial force transmission and tendon transfer for patients suffering from spastic paresis; a review and some new observations. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2007; 17(6): 644-656
2. Smeulders MJC, Kreulen M, Hage JJ, Huijing PA, vdr Horst CMAM. Spastic muscle properties are affected by length changes of adjacent structures. Muscle & Nerve 2005; 32(2): 208-215
3. Smeulders MJC, Kreulen M, Hage JJ, Huijing PA, vdr Horst CMAM.Overstretching of sarcomeres may not cause cerebral palsy muscle contracture? J Orthop Res, 2004; 22(6): 1331-1335
4. Smeulders MJC, Kreulen M, Hage JJ, Ritt MJPF, Mulder Th. Motor control impairment of the contralateral wrist in patients with chronic wrist pain. Am J Phys Med & Rehab 2002; 81(3): 177-181

The Director of OMM Research, Professor Michael L. Kuchera, DO, was recruited to PCOM in 2002 after over two decades of teaching, research, and clinical service. Dr. Kuchera graduated from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM) where he later served as chairperson of OMM, OMM Residency Director, Vice President for International Osteopathic Research & Education, and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean.

Currently Dr. Kuchera directs the OMM Research and Human Performance & Biomechanics Laboratory, mentoring PCOM and masters students. He is also the Director of the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging. He has been funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) studying the effects of progressive maximal effort exercise for multiple sclerosis subjects and by the Philadelphia Health Care Foundation to investigate biomechanical approaches, including OMT, in improving function and the quality of life in people with Parkinson's Disease. Dr. Kuchera is also comparing conservative care with and without OMT to tissue healing rates in ankle sprains exposed to low-intensity laser. He served as lead principal investigator in a five-state collaborative project with Veteran's Administration Medical Centers. In 2002, the AOA Council of Research honored Dr. Kuchera with their highest honor for a career of research and research mentorship, the Gutenshohn-Denslow Award.

Dr. Kuchera earned an international reputation. He also co-authored a nationally recognized museum exhibit, The Healer Within, which has toured the country and the Smithsonian Institute. A past president of the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO), Dr. Kuchera represents the United States in the International Federation of Manual/Musculoskeletal Medicine, where he is serves as Secretary General. He has been invited to lecture numerous times in Europe, Japan, and Australia and is a founding member of the AOA's Bureau on International Osteopathic Medical Education & Affairs (BIOMEA). In addition to co-editing and writing numerous articles and chapters in the Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine text, Dr. Kuchera coauthored Osteopathic Considerations in Systemic Dysfunction with his father as well as two other textbooks.

A long-time student advocate, Dr. Kuchera was unanimously granted life membership to National SOMA, served as the National UAAO faculty sponsor, and is faculty sponsor for both SOMA on the PCOM campus as well as the SeekHealth organization at PCOM.

Some Related Publications:

1. Applying osteopathic principles to formulate treatment for patients with chronic pain. Kuchera ML. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2007 Nov;107(10 Suppl 6):ES28-38. Review.
2. Osteopathic evaluation and manipulative treatment in reducing the morbidity of otitis media: a pilot study. Degenhardt BF, Kuchera ML. Am Osteopath Assoc. 2006 Jun;106(6):327-34.
3. Osteopathic manipulative medicine considerations in patients with chronic pain. Kuchera ML. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2005 Sep;105(9 Suppl 4):S29-36. Review.
4. Hysteresis as a measure of ankle dysfunction. Cohen AM, Mertz J, Stewart P, Warner MJ, Kuchera ML. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2005 Jan;105(1):22.
5. Effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment and concentric and eccentric maximal-effort exercise on women with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Yates HA, Vardy TC, Kuchera ML, Ripley BD, Johnson JC. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2002 May;102(5):267-75.

Dr. Helene M. Langevin received an MD degree from McGill University, followed by a post doctoral research fellowship at the MRC Neurochemical Pharmacology Unit, Cambridge, England, residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Endocrinology/Metabolism both at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. She studied acupuncture at Tristate Institute of Acupuncture and at Worsley College of Classical Chinese Acupuncture. She currently is a Research Associate Professor of Neurology, Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Vermont and is the Principal Investigator of two NIH-funded studies investigating the role of connective tissue in chronic pain, acupuncture and manual therapies.

Some Related Publications:

1. Bouffard NA, Cutroneo KR, Badger GJ, White SL, Buttolph TR, Ehrlich HP, Stevens-Tuttle D, Langevin HM. Tissue stretch decreases soluble TGF-beta1 and type-1 procollagen in mouse subcutaneous connective tissue: evidence from ex vivo and in vivo models. J Cell Physiol. 2008 Feb;214(2):389-95.
2. Langevin HM, Rizzo DM, Fox JR, Badger GJ, Wu J, Konofagou EE, Stevens-Tuttle D, Bouffard NA, Krag MH. Dynamic morphometric characterization of local connective tissue network structure in humans using ultrasound. BMC Syst Biol. 2007 Jun 5;1:25.
3. Langevin HM, Bouffard NA, Churchill DL, Badger GJ. Connective tissue fibroblast response to acupuncture: dose-dependent effect of bidirectional needle rotation. J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Apr;13(3):355-60.
4. Langevin HM, Sherman KJ. Pathophysiological model for chronic low back pain integrating connective tissue and nervous system mechanisms. Med Hypotheses. 2007;68(1):74-80
5. Langevin HM. Connective tissue: a body-wide signaling network?. Medical Hypotheses. 66(6):1074-7, 2006.
6. Langevin HM. Bouffard NA. Badger GJ. Churchill DL. Howe AK. Subcutaneous tissue fibroblast cytoskeletal remodeling induced by acupuncture: evidence for a mechanotransduction-based mechanism. Journal of Cellular Physiology. 207(3):767-74, 2006.
7. Langevin HM. Bouffard NA. Badger GJ. Iatridis JC. Howe AK. Dynamic fibroblast cytoskeletal response to subcutaneous tissue stretch ex vivo and in vivo. American Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology. 288(3):C747-56, 2005.
8. Langevin HM. Cornbrooks CJ. Taatjes DJ. Fibroblasts form a body-wide cellular network. Histochemistry & Cell Biology. 122(1):7-15, 2004.

Richard Nichols received his PhD in Physiology from Harvard Medical School, and wrote his dissertation on the interaction between reflex action and muscle mechanics in the regulation of muscular stiffness. Following postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Alberta and Johns Hopkins University, he took a faculty position in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Washington. His next faculty position was in the Physiology Department in the Emory University School of Medicine, where he spent 24 years and achieved the rank of professor and finally Interim Chair. In 2007, he was appointed Professor and Chair of the School of Applied Physiology at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Nichols has received continuous funding from the NIH for his work on the contributions of sensory feedback, spinal pathways and musculoskeletal mechanics to motor coordination, and for his work on peripheral nerve injury.

Some Related Publications:

1. Stahl VA, Gottschall JS, Nichols TR. A biomechanical analysis of the crural fascia in the feline hindlimb during locomotion and intramuscular stimulation.
   J Bodywork Movement Ther 12 (3): 258-259, 2008
2. Gottschall, JS, Nichols TR, 2007 Head pitch affects muscle activity in the decerebrate cat hindlimb during walking. (Exp Brain Res) 182: 131-135.
3. Nichols, T.R. and Cope, T.C., 2004 Cross-bridge mechanisms underlying the history-dependent properties of muscle spindles and stretch reflexes. Can. J. Physiol. & Pharm. 82:569-576.
4. Valerie K. Haftel, Edyta. K. Bichler, T. Richard Nichols, Martin J. Pinter, and Timothy C. Cope, 2004 Movement reduces the dynamic response of muscle spindle afferents and motoneuron synaptic potentials in rat. J. Neurophysiol. 91: 2164-71.
5. Nichols TR., 2002 Musculoskeletal mechanics: a foundation of motor physiology. In: Gandevia S, Proske U, Stuart DG (eds) Sensorimotor Control of Movement and Posture. Kluwer Academic/ Plenum. Pp. 473-480.

Adam Perlman, MD, MPH is the Chairperson for the Department of Primary Care within the UMDNJ School of Health Related Professions (SHRP), Executive Director for the Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (ICAM) and the UMDNJ Endowed Professor of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. He is also Vice Chair/Chair Elect of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine (CAHCIM), and a member of the Steering committee. Dr. Perlman has significant experience as a successful researcher. He has been the PI or Co-PI on eight funded projects related to CAM and has been a Co-investigator on two others. Dr Perlman has also authored a book on CAM for Pain Management and two book chapters on CAM treatments for Osteoarthritis. His recent trials experience includes directing a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee. Dr. Perlman also has also been a co-investigator on an NIH funded pilot study investigating the efficacy of Intravenous Micronutrient Therapy, and of an NIH RO1 on the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation for patients with Fibromyalgia.

Some Related Publications:

1. Chen KW, Perlman A, Liao JG, Lam A, Staller J, Sigal LH. Effects of external qigong therapy on osteoarthritis of the knee : A randomized controlled trial. Clin Rheumatol. 2008 Jul 25.
2. Perlman A, Njike V, Katz D, Sabina A, Williams A: Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Internal Medicine December 11/25; 2006; Vol. 166; 2533-2538.
3. Mihailescu V, Mihailescu G, Perlman A, et al: New and different therapies for osteoarthritis. Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine. May 2003;234-245.
4. Perlman A, Serbin J: Complementary and alternative medicine: does it have a role in treating asthma? Part 1. Women’s Health in Primary Care. 2001; Vol.4:5: 282-288.
5. Perlman A, Serbin J: Complementary and alternative medicine: does it have a role in treating asthma? Part 2. Women’s Health in Primary Care. 2001; Vol 4:6:405-410.
6. Perlman A, Eisenberg DM, Panush RS: Talking with patients about alternative and complementary medicine. Rheum Dis Clin. 1999; 25:815-822
7. Massey PB, Perlman A: Lasting resolution of chronic thoracic neuritis through a martial art-based physical therapy approach. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 1999; 5:3:104.

Joel G. Pickar, D.C., Ph.D. is a Professor at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research in Davenport, IA. He received his B.A. from Brown University and D.C. from Palmer College of Chiropractic. After several years in private practice he went on for further training in the basic sciences in order to understand the neurophysiological basis of spinal manipulation. He received his Ph.D from the muscle/electrophysiology laboratory of Dr. Richard C. Carlsen at University of California Davis and did post-doctoral training in the neurophysiology laboratory of Dr. Marc Kaufman at University of California, Davis, School of Medicine.

His research activities have been funded by NIH since 1993. Dr. Pickar’s research laboratory is currently studying neurophysiological issues related to the vertebral column and to chiropractic manipulation. He serves on the Advisory Editorial Board for The Spine Journal and is a past member of the NIH Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. His research interests include the effects of spinal manipulation on the nervous system and the effects of biomechanical and biochemical conditions in paraspinal tissues on the nervous system including primary afferents, sympathetic efferents, central neurons and muscles reflexes.

Some Related Publications:

1. Pickar,J.G., Sung,P.S.,Kang,Y.-M.,Ge,W. Response of lumbar paraspinal muscles spindles is greater to spinal manipulative loading compared with slower loading under length control. The Spine Journal 7(5):583-95, 2007.
2. Pickar J.G., Kang, Y.M. Paraspinal muscle spindle responses to the duration of a spinal manipulation under force control. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 29(1):22-31, 2006.
3. Ge, W., Long, C.R., Pickar, J.G. Vertebral position alters paraspinal muscle spindle responsiveness in the feline spine: effect of positioning duration. Journal of Physiology, 569(Pt 2):655-65, 2005.
4. Pickar, J.G. Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation. The Spine Journal, 2:357-371, 2002.
5. Pickar, J.G. and Wheeler, J.D. Response of muscle proprioceptors to spinal manipulative-like loads in the anesthetized cat. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 24(1):2-11, 2001.
6. Pickar, J.G. An in vivo preparation for investigating neural responses to controlled loading of a lumbar vertebra. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 89:87-96, 1999.
7. Pickar, J.G. and McLain, R.F. Responses of mechanosensitive afferents to manipulation of the lumbar facet in the cat. Spine, 20(22):2379-2385, 1995.

Stephanie A. Prendergast, MPT received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University in 2000. She is the co-owner of the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco, California and has been committed to progressing the quality of care available to persons suffering from myofascial pelvic pain syndromes since 2001. She writes and teaches extensively in the field and has served on the Board of Directors of the International Pelvic Pain Society since 2002.

Some Related Publications:

1. Prendergast SA, Rummer EH, Kotarinos R: Treating Vulvodynia with Manual Physical Therapy, National Vulvodynia Association Newsletter, vol 13, no 3, 2008. www.nva.org
2. Prendergast SA, Rummer EH: The Role of Physical Therapy in the Treatment of Pudendal Neuralgia: part 1, Vision, vol 15, no 1, 2007. www.pelvicpain.org
3. Prendergast SA, Rummer EH: The Role of Physical Therapy in the Treatment of Pudendal Neuralgia: part 2, Vision, vol 15, no 2, 2007. www.pelvicpain.org
4. Prendergast SA, Weiss JM: Screening for Musculoskeletal Causes of Pelvic Pain, Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol 46, 773-782, 2003.

After graduating in Zoology from The University of Reading, UK, Peter Purslow obtained his PhD in the Biomechanics Group, University of Reading working on toughness of extensible connective tissues, and then continued as Leverhulme Postdoctoral Research Fellow in biomechanics. Moving to the Agricultural and Food Research Council Meat Research institute in 1981, Purslow developed research in the structure and properties of connective tissues associated with skeletal muscle. From 1991 – 1995 he was Research Fellow in the Muscle and Collagen Research Group, at the University of Bristol’s Department of Clinical Veterinary Science. In 1995 he joined the Connective Tissue Biology Laboratory at Cardiff University’s School of Molecular and Medical Biosciences. He subsequently left the UK for Denmark where, as Professor and Group Leader of Meat Science at The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University (KVL) in Copenhagen, he continued a wide range of research on muscle and connective tissue structure and properties. In 2001 he returned to the UK, University of Stirling, Scotland to the Dept of Biological Sciences where he was the Coordinator of EU 5th Frame Program Research: Mechanisms of Normal and Pathological Ageing in Extracellular matrices. Peter Purslow is currently at the University of Guelph, Canada, where he is Acting Associate Dean (Research) for the Ontario Agricultural College and Professor of the Department of Food Science. His current work focuses on cellular mechanisms controlling turnover of connective tissues in muscle.

Some Related Publications:

1. Goh KL, Holmes DF, Lu HY, Richardson S, Kadler KE, Purslow PP, Wess TJ. Ageing changes in the tensile properties of tendons: influence of collagen fibril volume fraction. J Biomech Eng. 2008 Apr;130(2):021011
2. Purslow, PP, 2008. The extracellular matrix of skeletal and cardiac muscle. In "Collagen: structure and mechanics" (Ed. P. Fratzl) Springer, NY, pages 325-357. ISBN 978-0-387-73905-2
3. Purslow, PP, 2002. The structure and functional significance of variations in the connective tissue within muscle. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A-Molecular and Integrative Physiology Volume: 133 Issue: 4 Pages: 947-966.
4. Purslow PP, Wess TJ, Hukins DW. Collagen orientation and molecular spacing during creep and stress-relaxation in soft connective tissues. J Exp Biol. 1998 Jan;201(Pt 1):135-42.
5. Purslow, P.P. and Trotter, J.A., 1994. The morphology and mechanical properties of endomysium in series-fibred muscles; variations with muscle length. J. Muscle Research & Cell Motility, Volume :15 Pages: 299-304.
6. Trotter, J.A. and Purslow, P.P., 1992. Functional morphology of the endomysium in series fibered muscles. J. Morphology, Volume: 212 Pages: 109-122.
7. Purslow, P.P., 1989. Strain-induced reorientation of an intramuscular connective tissue network: implications for passive muscle elasticity. J. Biomechanics, Volume: 22 Pages: 21-31.

Clinical: Certified Advanced Rolfer® and Feldenkrais Practitioner, Faculty member of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, MA in clinical psychology from Heidelberg University. Active private bodywork practice since 1978; teaching internationally since 1990. Research: Co-initiator of the First International Fascia Research Congress. Founder and Director of Fascia Research Project at the Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Germany. Research Director of the European Rolfing Association. PhD in human biology with honors from Ulm university. Awarded with the Vladimir Janda Award for Musculoskeletal Medicine 2006. Current research focus: active fascial contractility.

Some Related Publications:

1. Zorn A, Schmitt F, Hodeck KF, Schleip R, Weckend F, Klingler W. The spring-like function of the lumbar fascia in human walking. J Bodywork Movement Ther 12 (3): 261-263, 2008
2. Schleip R, Klingler W. Chronic low back pain may originate from subfailure injuries in lumbar fasciae. J Bodywork Movement Ther 12 (3): 263, 2008
3. Findley T, Schleip R (eds.). Fascia research - Basic science and implications for conventional and complementary health care. Elsevier, Munich 2007.
4. Schleip R. Naylor IL. Ursu D. Melzer W. Zorn A. Wilke HJ. Lehmann-Horn F. Klingler W. Passive muscle stiffness may be influenced by active contractility of intramuscular connective tissue. Medical Hypotheses. 66(1):66-71, 2006.
5. Schleip R. Klingler W. Lehmann-Horn F. Active fascial contractility: Fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics. Medical Hypotheses. 65(2):273-7, 2005.
6. Schleip R. Fascial plasticity -- a new neurobiological explanation: part 2. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 7(2): 104-16, 2003.
7. Schleip R. Fascial plasticity -- a new neurobiological explanation: part 1. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 7(1): 11-9, 2003

Dr. Moshe Solomonow PhD, MD (Hon), is Professor and Director of the Bioengineering Division and of the Musculoskeletal Disorders research Laboratory in the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. He was a Professor and Director of Bioengineering and of The Occupational Medicine Research Center at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, Louisiana from 1983 to 2005. He received the B.Sc., and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from California State University and the Ph.D. in Engineering Systems and Neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Under his leadership, technology was developed for several translational projects related to; Myoelectric control of upper limb prosthetics for amputees; Electronic walking orthosis for paraplegics; Smart orthosis for Anterior Cruciate Ligament deficient patients; and smart braces for individuals with low back pain.

He is the Founding Editor of The Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, and serves on the Editorial Board of several bioengineering and medical journals. Dr. Solomonow is/was a consultant to the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, National Academy of Sciences, The Veterans Administration and scientific agencies of several European and Asiatic governments and Canada. He was a council member of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology, the International Society of Functional Electrical Stimulation, and the IEEE-Biomedical Engineering Society.

Some Related Publications:

1. Lu D, Le P, Davidson B, Zhou BH, Lu Y, Patel V, Solomonow M. Frequency of cyclic lumbar loading is a risk factor for cumulative trauma disorder. Muscle Nerve. 2008 Jul;38(1):867-74
2. Solomonow M. Sensory-motor control of ligaments and associated neuromuscular disorders. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2006 Dec;16(6):549-67
3. Olson M, Solomonow M, Li L. Flexion-relaxation response to gravity. J Biomech. 2006;39(14):2545-54
4. Solomonow, M., Baratta, R.V., Zhou, B., Burger, E., Zieske, A. and Gedalia, A. Muscular Dysfunction Elicited By Creep of Lumbar Viscoelastic Tissues. J.EMG and Kinesiology, 13:381-396, 2003.
5. Solomonow, M., Eversull, E., Zhou, B., Baratta, R.V. and Zhu, M. Neuromuscular Neutral Zones Associated With Viscoelastic Hysteresis During Cyclic Lumbar Flexion. Spine, 26:E-314-324, 2001.
6. Solomonow, M., Zhou, B., Baratta, R.V., Lu, Y., and Harris, M. Biomechanics of Increased Exposure to Lumbar Injury Due to Cyclic Loading: I. Loss of Reflexive Muscular Stabilization. Spine. 24:2426-2434, 1999.
7. Solomonow, M. Zhou, B., Harris, M., Lu, Y. and Baratta, R. The Ligamento-Muscular Stabilizing System of the Spine. Spine. 23:2552-2562, 1998.
8. Solomonow M, Baratta R, Zhou B, Shoji H, Bose W, Beck C, D'Ambrosia R. The Synergistic Action of the ACL and Knee Muscles in Maintaining Joint Stability. Am J Sports Medicine, 15:207–218, 1987.

Jaap van der Wal, MD, is a Senior Lecturer, University Maastricht, Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht, The Netherlands (part time). He is also a trainer and Lecturer in Phenomenological Embryology, Dynamension Cie, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Some Related Publications:

1. Wal, J.C. van der, 1988, The organization of the substrate of proprioception in the elbow region of the rat, Thesis, University (of) Limburg (Maastricht), The Netherlands.
2. Wal, J.C. van der, and Drukker, J., 1988, The occurrence of muscle spindles in relation to the architecture of the connective tissue in the lateral cubital region of the rat. In: Hnik, P. et al. (eds.), Mechanoreceptors, Development, Structure, and Function: 345 - 346, Plenum Press, New York and London.
3. Wal, J.C. van der, Strasmann, Th., Drukker, J., and Halata, Z., 1988, Sensory nerve endings in the deep lateral cubital region: a topographical and ultrastructural study in the rat. In: Hnik, P. et al. (eds.), Mechanoreceptors, Development, Structure, and Function: 337 - 344, Plenum Press, New York and London.
4. Wal, J.C. van der, Strasmann, Th., Drukker, J. and Halata, Z., The connective tissue apparatus in the lateral elbow region of the rat as instrument in the quality of centripetal information, Verh. Anat. Ges. 1990; 83 (Anat. Anz. Suppl. 166): 593 - 594.
5. Wal, Jaap van der, 2007, The Speech of the Embryo, In: Michael J. Shea, PhD, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Vol. 1, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley California, USA: 83 - 102, ISBN 978-1-55643-591-1.

Jaap van Dieën obtained a PhD in Human Movement Sciences from the VU University Amsterdam in 1993. He has been affiliated to the Faculty of Human Movement Sciences at the VU University Amsterdam the Netherlands since 1996. In 2002, he was appointed as professor of biomechanics. He leads a research group focusing on mechanical aspects of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. His main research interest regards the effects of task demands, fatigue, ageing, and musculoskeletal disorders on joint load and stability. Ongoing research covers a range of motor tasks, i.e. gait, lifting and high-precision hand arm tasks, and disorders of different body regions, i.e. the spine (low-back pain, scoliosis), upper extremities (neck and shoulder pain), and lower extremities (knee and hip OA, ACL injury).

Jaap van Dieën has (co-) authored over 130 papers in international scientific journals and numerous abstracts and book chapters in the international literature and publications in Dutch. He is an editor of the European Journal of Applied Physiology, section editor of Human Movement Sciences and serves on the editorial advisory board of the Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology and the editorial board of Clinical Biomechanics and is currently a member of the boards of ISEK and the Dutch Society for Human Movement Sciences.

Some Related Publications:

1. Bruijn SM, Meijer OG, van Dieën JH, Kingma I, Lamoth CJ. Coordination of leg swing, thorax rotations, and pelvis rotations during gait: the organisation of total body angular momentum. Gait Posture. 2008 Apr;27(3):455-62.
2. Burg JCEvd, Pijnappels M, Dieën JHv, 2007 The influence of artificially increased trunk stiffness on the balance recovery after a trip. Gait & Posture 26: 272-278
3. Spanjaard M, Reeves ND, Dieën JHv, Baltzopoulos V, Maganaris CN, 2007 a Influence of gait velocity on gastrocnemius muscle fascicle behaviour during stair negotiation. J Electromyogr Kinesiol
4. Burg JCEvd, Wegen EEHv, Rietberg MB, Kwakkel G, Dieën JHv, 2006 Postural control of the trunk during unstable sitting in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism & related disorders 12: 492-498
5. Wu WH, Meijer OG, Lamoth CJC, Uegaki K, Dieën JHv, Wuisman PIJM, Vries JIPd, Beek PJ, 2004 Gait coordination in pregnancy: Horizontal pelvic and thoracic rotations and their relative phase. Clinical Biomechanics 19: 480-488
6. Dieën JHv, Selen LPJ, Cholewicki J, 2003 Trunk muscle activation in low-back pain patients, an analysis of the literature. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology 13: 333-351
7. Dieën JHv, Cholewicki J, Radebold A, 2003 Trunk muscle recruitment patterns in patients with low back pain enhance the stability of the lumbar spine. Spine 28: 834-841
8. Lamoth CJC, Meijer OG, Wuisman PIJM, Dieën JHv, Levin MF, Beek PJ, 2002 Pelvis-thorax coordination in the transversal plane during walking in subjects with non-specific low back pain. Spine 27: E92-E99

Dr. Andry Vleeming is a clinical anatomist and clinician who founded the research group musculoskeletal pain together with Prof. Snijders at the Erasmus medical faculty in Rotterdam the Netherlands. After 17 years he founded the Spine and joint rehabilitation centre in Rotterdam.

Dr Vleeming is chairman of the world congress on low back pain for the office of continuing education of the medical faculty of the University of California San Diego. He is editor of the book movement stability and lumbopelvic pain and publishes on research of the pelvis and spine. He is a visiting professor of several medical Universities in Europe. Recently he was chairman of the COST European guideline on pelvic girdle pain.

Some Related Publications:

1. Vleeming A, Albert HB, Ostgaard HC, Sturesson B, Stuge B. European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain. Eur Spine J. 2008 Jun;17(6):794-819. Epub 2008 Feb 8.
2. van Wingerden JP, Vleeming A, Ronchetti I. Differences in standing and forward bending in women with chronic low back or pelvic girdle pain: indications for physical compensation strategies. Spine. 2008 May 15;33(11):E334-41.
3. Vleeming A, De Vries HJ, Mens JMA, Van Wingerden JP. Possible role of the long dorsal sacroiliac ligament in women with peripartum pelvic pain. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2002; May;81(5):430-6.
4. Vleeming A, Pool-Goudzwaard AL, Hammudoghlu D, Stoeckart R, Snijders CJ, Mens JMA. The function of the long dorsal sacroiliac ligament; its implication for understanding low back pain. Spine 1996;21(5):556-562.
5. Vleeming A, Buyruk HM, Stoeckart R, Karamursel S, Snijders CJ. An integrated therapy for peripartum pelvic instability; a study of the biomechanical effects of pelvic belts. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 1991;166(4):1243-1247
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Can Yücesoy received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from the Mechanical Engineering Department of Middle East Technical University, Ankara. He received a Ph.D. degree from the Biomechanical Engineering Group of the Mechanical Engineering Department of University of Twente, the Netherlands in 2003, followed by a post-doc fellowship at Faculty of Human Movement Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Currently, he is working as a fulltime faculty member at the Biomedical Engineering Institute of Boğaziçi University, Istanbul and he is the leader of the Biomechanics Laboratory at this Institute.

His main research interest is in skeletal muscle mechanics with a particular focus on myofascial force transmission between muscles and other tissues. Experimental research approaches he uses include in situ animal physiological experiments, intra-operative human muscle force measurements, in vivo muscular mechanics using MRI and human motion analysis. Computational research approaches he uses include finite element modeling featuring a model of skeletal muscle he developed using a two-domain approach that represents the activatable muscle fibers and the extracellular matrix as two separate domains that are linked mechanically.

Some Related Publications:

1. Yücesoy, C.A., Koopman BH, Grootenboer HJ, Huijing PA. Extramuscular myofascial force transmission alters substantially the acute effects of surgical aponeurotomy: assessment by finite element modeling. Biomech Model Mechanobiol. 2008 Jun;7(3):175-89
2. Yücesoy, C. A., Huijing, P. A., 2007. Substantial effects of epimuscular myofascial force transmission on muscular mechanics have major implications on spastic muscle and remedial surgery. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 17, 664-679.
3. Yücesoy, C. A., Koopman, H. J. F. M., Grootenboer, H. J. and Huijing, P. A., 2007. Finite element modeling of aponeurotomy: altered myofascial force transmission mechanism yielding complex sarcomere length distributions determines acute effects. Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology, 6, 227-243.
4. Yücesoy, C.A., Baan, G.C. , Koopman, H.J.F.M., Grootenboer, H.J., and Huijing, P.A., 2005. Pre-strained epimuscular connections cause muscular myofascial force transmission to affect properties of synergistic EHL and EDL muscles of the rat. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 127: 819-828.
5. Yücesoy, C.A., Koopman, H.J.F.M., Baan, G.C. , Grootenboer, H.J., and Huijing, P.A., 2003. Effects of inter- and extramuscular myofascial force transmission on adjacent synergistic muscles: assessment by experiments and finite element modeling. Journal of Biomechanics, 36: 1797-1811.
6. Yücesoy, C.A., Koopman, H.J.F.M., Huijing, P.A., and Grootenboer, H.J., 2002. Three-dimensional finite element modeling of skeletal muscle using a two-domain approach: Linked fiber-matrix mesh model. Journal of Biomechanics, 35: 1253-1262.