Units

Laboratory for Functional Anatomy

Person in charge of the Unit : Oui

Research in macroscopic and microscopic anatomy, from a descriptive, functional and palpatory point of view.  
Research in biomechanics (1) spatial electrogoniometry applied in vivo and in vitro, (2) evaluation of lumbar or cervical spine kinematics under normal and clinical conditions (disc herniation, Whiplash Syndrome, evaluation of the kinematics and effect of certain manipulation techniques), (3) three-dimensional imaging and kinematic analysis, musculoskeletal modelling, (4) functional anatomy of the wrist, (5) gait analysis, (6) analysis of spinal curvatures and posture.
Research in neurobiomechanics.

Laboratory of Anatomy, Biomechanics and Organogenesis

Person in charge of the Unit : Oui

Education - Our LABO teaches anatomy to students of various programs, including medicine, dental sciences, veterinary sciences, physical therapy, occupational therapy, bioengineering, sports, nursing, pharmacy, medical biology and arts. Moreover, LABO members also teach human embryology. Research - The LABO is active in several fields thanks to its multidisciplinary staff and expertise: Biomechanics, Anatomy, Organogenesis, Embryology, Veterinary Sciences and Legal Medicine. State-of-the-art equipment is available. Clinics - The Center for Functional Evaluation (or CFE) organised by LABO offers patients, and their therapists, all services for following-up of locomotor and gesture disabilities linked to a variety of disorders (orthopeadics, neurology, etc). Clinical research is also performed at LABO. Logistics - The LABO is taking part in the organisation of various structures and international scientific events.

ULB Interdisciplinary Research Institute for Sports

Person in charge of the Unit : Oui

U-IRIS is intended to bring together research skills existing at ULB in the fields of sports and physical activity in order to stimulate collaboration and interdisciplinary research. The research carried out within U-IRIS could be the basis of evidence-based advice in various fields of sport and physical activity. ULB and each of U-IRIS partner groups, as well as their existing activities, platforms, infrastructures and collaborations, will gain in visibility, both internally and externally in a promising and rapidly evolving field.

The research carried out by U-IRIS is designed to be both fundamental and applied. It is developed around five major axes:
- clinics / sports medicine
- high level sports / performance
- rehabilitation / handicap and sports
- sports and society (including education through sports)
- prevention / public health / nutrition.

The groups participating in U-IRIS represent the Faculties of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Medicine, Psychology and Educational Sciences, Motor Sciences, the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, the School of Public Health, the Research Department, ULB-Sports and the Erasme Academic Hospital.

Projetcs

kinematics of spinal manual therapy techniques and their effects n spinal kinematics

Three-dimensional electrogoniometric, electromagnetic tracking and optoelectronic study of the kinematics of spinal manipulation techniques in anatomic specimens, asymptomatic volunteers and patients. Analysis of active spine kinematics modifications after application of the technique. Application to other techniques (spinal traction, Mitchell, other techniques).

Functional evaluation of the lumbar spine using electrogoniometry

Using a commercial electrogoniometer, lumbar spine motion was analysed. Results from a reference population of more than 80 asymptomatic volunteers are available. Clinical application includes evaluation of lumbar kinematics in patients displaying various diseases of the lumbar spine. We analyse, besides maximal ranges, out-of-plane motion and motion patterns

Analysis of global wrist kinematics using spatial electrogoniometry. Normal kinematics, analysis of circumduction envelope and clinical applications

Using homemade spatial linkages, a normal database of wrist kinematics for planar motion and for the complex movement of circumduction was established. This technique is applied in pre-surgical evaluation and during follow-up as well as in anatomical preparations to analyse the effect of partial arthrodeses or ligament lesions

The value of virtual reality in the assessment and management of the cervical spine

Virtual reality systems constitute a new and interesting approach to the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal musculoskeletal disorders, particularly chronic neck pain. The objective of this work was to evaluate the value of a commercial VR system in the measurement of neck range of motion and cephalic repositioning sense, in order to be able to integrate it in clinical routine.

Auditory evoqued potentials and anatomical changes during the maturational period of the auditory system

Recording of the brain stem auditory potentials evoked by rarefaction and condensation clik stimulation in two-week to two-month-old puppies.Study of the sum and difference condensation/rarefaction. Histological studies of the cochlea

Study of cell death and stress proteins during organogenesis in mammals in normal and teratologic conditions

Expression of Heat Shock Protein (HSP) in migrating cells of the neural crests, during phenomena of programmed cell death in early phases of cephalogenesis in mice. Application to morphogenesis and to different teratologic models (retinoid acid, triazene, irradiation).

Development and applications of an electrogoniometric system for continuous and real-time tracking and analysis of three-dimensional joint kinematics

This project aims at developping and constructing instrumentation, software and methodology needed for the application of spatial electrogoniometry to instantaneous analysis of the kinematics of various joints. Applications: in vitro and in vivo kinematics of ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist.

Functional evaluation of the cervical spine using electrogoniometry

Using a commercial electrogoniometer, cervical spine motion was analysed. Results from a reference population of more than 100 asymptomatic volunteers are available. Clinical application includes evaluation of cervical kinematics in patients displaying various diseases of the cervical spine (Whiplash, disk hernia). We analyse, besides maximal ranges, out-of-plane motion and motion patterns

Posture, gait and motion analysis in subjects with low back pain

Chronic low back pain is a symptom often encountered throughout the world, and it has a considerable impact on society. When confronted with it, sufferers may adopt a behaviour that consists of avoiding any movement that could exacerbate the pain. This can lead to a vicious circle of fear, immobility and pain. This has a negative impact on rehabilitation, quality of life and morale. A wide range of therapeutic approaches can be used, including medication, manipulation, massage, physical activity, relaxation, biopsychosocial approaches and surgery, including lumbar arthrodesis, to reduce long-term pain. 
The contribution of functional analysis (statics, posture, movement, walking) to the development, diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of patients suffering from low back pain is promising, but clinical studies supporting its relevance are rare. With our study, we aim to help verify the clinical relevance of functional analysis by studying the static (spinal curvatures, posture) and dynamic (movement and walking) differences that we might encounter in people with lumbar arthrodesis compared with asymptomatic people, and to better understand the role of functional assessment and optimise its use in clinical practice.

Anatomical origins of temporal dispersion products in the auditory system of the dog

Recording of the kernels obtained by the stimulation with the maximum length sequences method from scalp electrodes and from eighth nerve electrodes in mature, normal dogs

Study of ear development in normal and teratologic mouse embryos

Histological and histochemical study of ear development in normal mouse embryos and in embryos submitted to several teratogenic agents (retinoic acid, methyl-triazene). Study of early phases of development and correlations with clinical human malformations

Histological study of caudal bud in normal and retinoic acid-treated embryos

Classical histological study of morphogenetic processes associated to caudal bud development in normal and retinoic acid-trated embryos. Study of secondary neurulation

Justifying the concept of a variable functional anatomy of the wrist. Relation between osseous and ligamentous morphology and function

Based on recent results demonstrating individually variable carpal morphology and biomechanics, a variable functional model of the carpus is advanced. According to this model, this project aims at bringing into relationship various morphological and functional features of the wrist. Repercussions are expected in the field of carpal pathology diagnosis and personalised therapeutic choice

Evaluation of shoulder kinematics. Electrogoniometric, magnetic tracking study and 3D analysis of videoscopic images

The development of a spatial linkage suitable for the study of shoulder kinematics led to a comparative study of the results obtained by several different technological means (electrogoniometry, Flock of Bird, Ariel). Establishment of a normal database and clinical applications, especially in shoulder instability, are the aims of this project

Study of facial morphogenesis of mouse embryos submitted to several teratogenic agents

Systematic histological, histochemical and morphometric study of mouse embryos submitted to retinoic acid, methyl-triazene and irradiation, in order to observe anomalies of cephalogenesis induced by the teratogen. Correlations with normal embryogenesis and clinical features

The study and expression of stress proteins of the HSP90 family during the embryonic development of the mouse

Study of the expression of stress proteins (HSP) family 90 during embryonic development in mice