The Newsletter of CIRCL, the Center for Injury Research & Control at the University of Pittsburgh
- In This Issue:
- Director's Message
- Managing Return-to-Play Decisions Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
- The Impact of Pregnancy-Associated Crashes on Birth Outcomes and Infant Survival
- Improving the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Inflicted Head Trauma in Infants
- Evaluating the Impact of Neuroendocrine Hormones on Pathophysiology and Outcomes after Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Infant Head Injury Risk in Falls Using Experimental and Computational Models
- Staff Notes
- Masthead
Volume 10, Issue 1: Spring 2007
Infant Head Injury Risk in Falls Using Experimental and Computational Models
The Injury Risk Assessment and Prevention (iRAP) Laboratory at the University of Louisville is a multi-disciplinary laboratory that conducts state-of-the-art research through the application of engineering and medical principles to real world and clinical problems in the areas of child abuse, pediatric falls, wheelchair transportation safety and rehabilitation. Biomechanical analysis is used to study pediatric falls to gain an improved understanding of injury risk to aid clinicians in distinguishing between inflicted and non-inflicted injuries.
In the area of wheelchair transportation safety, investigators utilize computer simulation modeling and sled impact testing to gain an understanding of injury risk when using a wheelchair as a motor vehicle seat. These same techniques are used to understand crash loading patterns on wheelchairs and to improve wheelchair designs so that they are safe under crash conditions. iRAP investigators also study the effects of rehabilitation on canine patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery. Through these studies and the multidisciplinary lab environment, research training is provided to engineering students, medical residents, fellows and post-docs.
Visit the iRAP Laboratory website for more information.