Hardin, Elizabeth, Ph.D.

Research Statement

My research interests lie in studying human walking performance and stability, and in the intrinsic and extrinsic criteria that influence them. These criteria include muscle strength and endurance, joint stiffness, proprioception, and anthropometry as well as neural and conventional prostheses, bracing and footwear properties. I am especially interested in how these factors interact to keep gait stable and to what extent they can be modified and controlled to improve walking performance and musculoskeletal health.  Neuroprosthetics, in particular, have the promise to be of considerable benefit to individuals with compromised gait, allowing them to gain mobility and some of the numerous and tangible system-wide benefits of movement. To this end, it is essential to discover how to develop and use neuroprostheses to maximize gait performance and stability.

Professional Affiliations

• Investigator, Cleveland FES Center
• Biomedical Engineer, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH

Publications

• Hardin E, Kobetic R, Murray L, Corado-Ahmed M, Pinault G, Sakai J, Bailey SN, Ho C, Triolo RJ. Walking after incomplete spinal cord injury using an implanted FES system: a case report. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2007;44(3):333-46. PubMed PMID: 18247230.
• Hardin EC, Su A, van den Bogert AJ. Pre-impact lower extremity posture and brake pedal force predict foot and ankle forces during an automobile collision. J Biomech Eng. 2004 Dec;126(6):770-8. PubMed PMID: 15796335.
• Hardin EC, van den Bogert AJ, Hamill J. Kinematic adaptations during running:  effects of footwear, surface, and duration. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004 May;36(5):838-44. PubMed PMID: 15126719.
• Hardin EC, Su A, van den Bogert AJ. Foot and ankle forces during an automobile collision: the influence of muscles. J Biomech. 2004 May;37(5):637-44. PubMed PMID: 15046992.
• Hardin EC, Hamill J. The influence of midsole cushioning on mechanical and hematological responses during a prolonged downhill run. Res Q Exerc Sport. 2002  Jun;73(2):125-33. PubMed PMID: 12092887.
  

Research Programs

• Lower Extremity FES Program

Contact Information