The Biomechanics core of the National Skeletal Muscle Research Center (NSMRC) performs in vivo and in vitro testing on human and animal tissues to quantify the biomechanical properties of skeletal muscles, tendons, and joints. Skeletal muscle samples of varying sizes ranging from isolated single cells to whole muscles can be tested for a variety of mechanical properties.

Several in vitro and in vivo testing facilities are available to accommodate various experiments. The in vitro facilities include; active and passive mechanical setups (dual-mode motors, real-time and static laser diffraction setups, nerve and direct muscle stimulation), human anatomical specimens, dissection faclilities, and instrumentation development. The in vivo facilities include, intraoperative laser diffraction (animal and human models) and human musculoskeletal model development via MRI or CT imaging.

Samuel R. Ward, PT, Ph.D.
Richard L. Lieber, Ph.D.

Samuel R. Ward, PT, Ph.D.
(858) 552-8585 x 7016
srward@ucsd.edu