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Dr. Vasavada's research methods
involve computer modeling of the musculoskeletal system in conjunction with
experimental measurement of muscle activity, strength, and motion in humans.
One aspect of her current research involves modeling the head and neck
musculoskeletal system to analyze neck muscle function. These studies are
directed toward understanding how humans control head movements, and the
changes in function that occur with spine surgery, whiplash and other
neurological disorders. Another research focus in her lab is motion analysis
of patients with movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, to evaluate
the effects of medical or surgical interventions. Combining modeling
techniques with experimental studies helps to elucidate the basic mechanisms
responsible for pathologies and to develop therapies and treatments.
Biographical Information
Anita Vasavada received a
B.A. in Mathematics/Physics from Whitman College and a B.S. in Mechanical
Engineering from Columbia University in 1990. She received an M.S. in
Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 1991. From 1991 to 1993,
she worked as an engineer in the Biomechanics Laboratory in the Department of
Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at Yale University. She received a Ph.D. in
Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University in 1999. After graduation,
Dr. Vasavada was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Neurology at Emory
University. In January 2001, she joined the faculty of Washington State
University as an assistant professor in the departments of VCAPP and
Biological Systems Engineering.
Selected Publications
Vasavada, AN, Peterson, BW, Delp, SL. Three-dimensional
spatial tuning
of neck muscle activations in humans. Experimental Brain Research,
147:437-448, 2002.
Vasavada, AN,
Li, S, Delp, SL. Three-dimensional isometric strength of neck muscles in
humans. Spine, 26(17):1904-1909, 2001
Vasavada, AN, Li, S, Delp SL. Influence of muscle morphometry and
moment arms on the moment-generating capacity of human neck muscles. Spine,
23(4):412-422, 1998.
Panjabi, MM, Lydon, C, Vasavada, A, Grob, D, Crisco, JJ, Dvorak, J. On
the understanding of clinical instability. Spine, 19(23):2642-50, 1994.
Ahlgren, BD, Vasavada, AN, Brower, RS, Lydon, C, Herkowitz, HN, Panjabi,
MM. Effect of annular incision technique on the strength and multidirectional
flexibility of the healing intervertebral disc. Spine, 19(8):948-954, 1994.
Vasavada, AN, Delp, SL, Maloney, WJ, Schurman, DJ, Zajac, FE.
Compensating for changes in muscle length in total hip arthroplasty: Effects
on the moment-generating capacity of the muscles. Clinical Orthopaedics and
Related Research, 302:121-133, 1994.
Vasavada,
AN, Delp, SL, Lieber, R. Architectural Design and Function of Human Back
Muscles, in Rothman-Simeone, the Spine, 5th ed. W.B. Saunders Co.,
Philadelphia, 2003.
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