Ankle foot orthoses play an essential role in supporting individuals with neuromuscular disorders; however, optimizing their fit requires a deeper understanding of neuromuscular control. While conventional 3D motion capture remains the gold standard for movement analysis, its application in routine clinical practice is often limited by practical constraints.

To address this challenge, Dr. Postolka’s research combines markerless motion capture technology with electromyography (EMG) analysis of muscle activity. Markerless systems can estimate joint kinematics from video recordings with the use of neural networks, while EMG provides valuable insight into muscle activation patterns. 

The project will be conducted at the CADENCE Core Facility and is expected to generate new insights into neuromuscular control and contribute to improved patient care through more individualized orthosis fitting strategies.