The focus of the seminar series is to call for experts related to academia and research in the areas related to biomechanics, variability, motor disorders, physical therapy, and related studies.

Presentation Title: Mechanical Gait Stability and Translation to Biomechanics-Informed Rehabilitation

Presentation Abstract:

Understanding how gait stability is regulated across walking conditions and pathologies is critical for preventing falls and improving mobility in clinical populations. This seminar will present two complementary lines of research. The first focuses on quantifying mechanical gait stability using instrumented gait analysis and nonlinear dynamics to determine how walking speed, environment, external perturbations, and disease alter stability and energetic demands. The second translates these biomechanical insights into rehabilitation strategies for mobility-limited populations, including individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and peripheral artery disease. Ongoing and future work leverages biomechanics-informed technologies such as wearable sensors, assistive devices, and AI-driven human-in-the-loop control to personalize rehabilitation and improve functional walking outcomes. Together, this research bridges fundamental biomechanics with translational, clinically relevant interventions.

About the speaker:

Dr. Farahnaz Fallahtafti is an assistant professor in the Department of Biomechanics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She received her PhD in Biomechanics and has prior training in biomedical engineering. Her research focuses on understanding and enhancing human movement performance using instrumented gait analysis, and wearable technologies. Dr. Fallahtafti’s work spans both foundational and translational biomechanics, with applications in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral artery disease, aging, and balance impairment. Her current research aims to translate biomechanical insights into technology-enabled gait rehabilitation.