Engineering Wellness Through Biomechanics

“We work with the Physical Therapy Department here to study how people walk, and move, and help improve the quality of their lives,” Bigelow told Spectrum News 1 inside her lab.

Engineering Wellness

The Engineering Wellness through Biomechanics Lab at the University of Dayton: Helping people move and live better.

CBI Keynote Speaker

Dr. Kim Bigelow, associate professor, University of Dayton Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and director, University Engineering Wellness through Biomechanics Lab, was keynote speaker at AccessEngineering, Capacity Building Institute (CBI): Universally Designed Learning and Learning about Universal Design in Seattle. Engineering faculty, disability experts, and engineering students and professionals with disabilities gathered to share expertise, create resources and focus on accessible hands-on learning.

Bio Lab Awarded NSF Grant for Assistive Device Designs

Enhancing Undergraduate Engineering Education through Meaningful Assistive Device Design — PI: Dr. Kimberly E. Bigelow, Ph.D. – University of Dayton

First-year and senior engineering students at the University of Dayton will improve independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities through the support of this NSF grant. The occupational therapy staff at Kettering Health Network’s NeuroRehab and Balance Center will identify projects. And, students will develop fully functional prototypes that will be designed and tested to ensure usefulness.

Kickboxing Benefits for MS Patients

Preliminary research suggests the kicks, punches, and knee movements associated with kickboxing can improve balance and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Find a Connection: Biomechanics

“We’re humanists at heart — and that’s the beauty of engineering,” said assistant professor Kim Bigelow, the lab’s director. “The field is so broad, you can easily find a connection between the science and your passion. For me, it was finding ways to help people and improve their quality of life.”

Finding a Balance

Kim Bigelow, Engineering Wellness Through Biomechanics Lab director, helped develop a test to predict fall risks that can be taken in a doctor's office in two minutes.

Alive and Kicking