The primary goal of my research is to gain a better understanding of the control of human movement. I am interested in the control of whole-body mechanics via sensory information from the environment (visual, proprioceptive, mechanoreceptive and vestibular). Additionally, I am interested in the effects of injury- or age-related damage/deformity and footwear/orthotic therapies upon the role of the foot in postural control, gait and sports. I hope to translate the outcomes of this research into interventions for reducing falls in the elderly and improving shoes/orthotics for everyday activities and sport.

• University ‘Research Matters’ Representative 2013-2014.

We are always looking for graduate and undergraduate students interested in biomechanics/neuroscience research; please contact me for information and/or questions.

Projects that are on-going in the laboratory involve the mechanical and sensory function of the foot and footwear (including orthotics) in dynamic balance control in older adults and other activities (including running and work related situations). Perry's research is focused upon how the musculoskeletal and sensory systems are utilized in the control of human movement. As the population ages it is important to understand both the "normal," healthy young adult functions and then how the age-related deterioration of our musculoskeletal and sensory systems may have serious consequences especially when considering how important these systems are in controlling the postural reactions that prevent us from falling. This is an opportunity to work in a laboratory investigating an emerging research area (how footwear and foot disorders influence control of dynamic movements) that could have a dramatic impact on our quality of life as we grow older.

• Antonio P, Perry SD. (2014) Quantifying stair gait stability in young and older adults, with modifications to insole hardness. Gait and Posture; 40(3):429-34.
• Chisholm AE, Makepeace S, Inness EL, Perry SD; McIlroy WE; Mansfield A. (2014) Spatial-temporal gait variability post-stroke: variations in measurement and implications of measuring change. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Arch Phys Med Rehabil; 95(7):1335-41.
• Lowrey CR, Perry SD, Strzalkowski ND, Williams DR, Wood SJ, Bent LR. (2014) Selective skin sensitivity changes and sensory reweighting following short-duration space flight. J Appl Physiol (1985); 116(6):683-92.
• Novak AC, Mayich DJ, Perry SD, Daniels T, Brodsky JW. (2014) Gait analysis for foot and ankle surgeons. Part 2: Approaches to multi-segment modeling of the foot. Foot Ankle Int; 35(2):178-91.
• MacPhee RS, McFall K, Perry SD, Tiidus PM.(2013) Metabolic cost and mechanics of walking in women with fibromyalgia syndrome. BMC Res Notes; 6:420.

Laurier
SHARCNET Site Leader
CIHR University Delegate

External
Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, U of Toronto
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, U of Toronto
Affiliate Scientist, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario

• Laurier researchers receive over 1.7 million from natural sciences and engineering research council