University of Calgary

Brent Edwards

  • Associate Professor
  • Edwards Research Group

Research Interests

Biomechanics

Research Overview

Mechanical fatigue of load bearing biological tissue is an inevitable consequence of physical activity. Over time, habitual loading of the musculoskeletal system causes microdamage accumulation that reduces the overall quality of the tissue and leads to a reduction in stiffness and an increase in mechanical strain with continued loading. Without adequate tissue repair and adaptation, the evolution and accumulation of microdamage may eventually lead to musculoskeletal injury. Mechanical fatigue is believed to play a predominant role in the pathophysiology of musculoskeletal injuries such as bone stress fracture as well as Achilles and patellar tendinopathy. Our research combines biomechanical experimentation with advanced medical imaging and computational modeling to investigate tissue damage and fatigue in response to mechanical loading. Our unique approach allows us to estimate in vivo tissue mechanics in a non-invasive and subject-specific manner. The work in our group spans multiple dimensional scales, from basic experiments at the tissue-level that enhance our understanding of the mechanical fatigue process, to applied experiments at the whole-body level for the development of treatments and interventions to improve tissue quality and decrease injury risk.

Currently Teaching

Not currently teaching any courses.

Curriculum Vitae

Degrees

  • PhD - Biomechanics
    Iowa State University, 2009
  • MS - Biomechanics
    California State University, 2005
  • BS - Kinesiology
    California State University, 2003
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