Traditional biomechanics research has historically relied on controlled laboratory settings using marker-based motion capture systems. While this approach offers precision, it fails to capture the complexity of real-world movement, particularly during dynamic tasks like running over variable terrain.

We’re bridging this gap by advancing wearable and video-based tools to study running biomechanics in natural environments. Using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and markerless motion capture, our team captures high-fidelity gait data under real-world conditions. This enables us to study not only how people move, but why they move that way, and what that means for injury risk, footwear design, and performance optimization.

Our research focuses on:

• How joint angles and posture relate to impact forces and stability during running.

• The influence of terrain and shoe design on gait characteristics and subjective experience.

• The development of translational, low-burden measurement tools for running analysis outside the lab.

This work supports both clinical and athletic applications, including return-to-sport planning, overuse injury prevention, and footwear innovation.