Locomotion Optimization Group
Research Focus
The Locomotion Optimization Group is interested in the mechanics and energetics of how people walk after a lower extremity amputation, and interventions that can improve prosthesis acceptance and fitness for people with amputation. Walking is dictated by multiple objectives, such as minimizing energy expenditure and not falling, and the relative importance of each objective most likely changes after an injury. We want to understand what objectives are most important to the system after an injury and how those objectives affect walking mechanics. After gaining that understanding, we can optimize rehabilitation interventions and device design to improve patient function.
Principal Investigator
Ryan D. Wedge PT, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
Doctorate of Physical Therapy Capstone Students
Erica Stiles BS DPT Class of 2025
RJ Rivenburgh BS DPT Class of 2025
Doctorate of Physical Therapy Graduate Assistants
Madison Deanes BS DPT Class of 2026
Erin Carico BS DPT Class of 2026
Daniel Morgan BS DPT Class of 2027
Masters of Exercise Physiology Student
Jordan Mitchell BS Masters of Exercise Physiology 2025
Undergraduate Kinesiology Students
Katelyn Vogel Exercise Physiology Class of 2025, Honors College
Kenison Parker Exercise Physiology Class of 2025, Honors College
Parker Ranson Exercise Physiology Class of 2026, Honors College
Andrew Smartwood Exercise Physiology Class of 2026
Alumni
Colin Martin MS Masters of Exercise Physiology 2024
Hannah Blackburn BME Class of 2025
Cameron Prentis DPT DPT Class of 2024
JT Agosto DPT DPT Class of 2024
Elizabeth Brennan DPT DPT Class of 2024
Sam Crawford BS Exercise Physiology Class of 2024
Emma Hixenbaugh BS REU 2023
Ashley Arensdorf DPT DPT Class of 2023
Alexander Clark DPT DPT Class of 2023
Brian McGill DPT DPT Class of 2023
Kuru Visvanathan BS REU 2022
Austin Anderson DPT DPT Class of 2022
Anna Patterson DPT DPT Class of 2022
Tori Urban DPT DPT Class of 2022
Megan Shepherd MS Kinesiology Class of 2022
Blake Jones MS Kinesiology Class of 2022
Annie Zarama MS Kinesiology Class of 2022
Rachel Bruns MS REU 2021
Ashleigh Andrejchak DPT DPT Class of 2021
Courtney Collins DPT DPT Class of 2021
Recent Articles
Wedge RD, McCammon M, Meardon SA 2024 Sports
Jones BW, Willson JD, DeVita P, Wedge RD 2023 JAB
Bruns RE, Vos P, Wedge RD 2022 Med Eng Phys
Banks JJ, Wedge RD, Caldwell GE, Umberger BR 2022 Clin Biomech
Wedge RD, Sup FC, Umberger BR 2022 Clin Biomech
Johnson RT, Hafer JF, Wedge RD, Boyer KA 2020 Gait & Posture
LaPre AK, Price MA, Wedge RD, Umberger BR, Sup FC 2017 Int J Numer Meth Biomed Eng
LaPre AK, Wedge RD, Umberger RD, Sup FC 2017 ICORR