Current Research

Characterizing differences and the relationship between lumbar multifidus morphology (e.g., size, composition, asymmetry) and function (e.g., stiffness and contraction) in subjects with and without low back pain. 

Investigate whether cervical muscle morphology and composition are predictors of surgical outcomes and assessing the effect of surgical treatment on cervical muscle characteristics in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Examine lumbar multifidus muscle morphology and function in 1)university level athletes and 2) circus student artists with and without low back pain

Characterize the effects of space flight on the cervical and lumbar musculature and their possible relationship with experienced back and cervical pain.

Imaging and sensorimotor assessment of cervical and lumbar muscle characteristics in collegiate athletes with and without a recent history of concussion.

Investigate the effect of combined motor control and isolated extensor strengthening versus general exercise on paraspinal muscle morphology and function in patients with chronic low back pain.

Determine the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation using the StimaWELL 120MRTS system on multifidus muscle morphology and function in patients with chronic low back pain. 

Examine the effect of aquatic therapy as compared to standard care on paraspinal and gluteal muscle morphology and function, as well as the effect of each intervention on psychological factors in chronic low back pain. 

Development and validation of an automated algorithm and segmentation methods for the assessment of paraspinal muscle size and composition from MRI images.