The American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) met at the University of Miami, Florida November 15-18. The meeting was sponsored in part by the University of Miami and the Department of Engineering.
The ASB was formed to promote interaction among biomechanics' researchers, in such varied disciplines as anthropology, biology, ergonomics, engineering, orthopedics, physical education, and sports medicine.
Over 100 papers were presented, four of which included chiropractic co-investigators.
John Triano, D.C., and Professor Albert Schultz (University of Michigan) submitted "Cervical Spine Manipulation: Applied Loads, Motions and Myoelectric Responses."
Clinicians Arlan Fuhr, D.C., and Paul Osterbauer, D.C., (Activator Methods, Inc.) collaborated with Professor Jack Winters and graduate students Joe Peles and Kathy Derickson (Arizona State University) on "Head Finite Screw Axis Parameters During Voluntary Head Vertical, Horizontal, and Oblique Tracking Movements: Normal and Injured Subjects."
Two papers were co-authored by Dr. Raymond Brodeur (a Fellow supported by the Foundation of Chiropractic Education and Research from Michigan Tech): "An Intrinsic Parameter for the Study of Complex Three Dimensional Human Motion;" and "Lumbar Motion as a Function of Torso Angle."
Dr. Fuhr noted that, unlike many chiropractic seminars, discussion was encouraged following the presentations. The experts in the audience asked penetrating questions of the presenters, as a form of peer review. Dr. Fuhr added, "Immediate feedback reduces the chances of being deluded by an individual's own pet theories."
The conference was an excellent opportunity to meet with the leading minds in this growing field, and to stimulate an interest in investigating the problems faced by clinicians.
