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Orthopedic Biomechanics and Imaging Team

The Orthopedic Biomechanics and Imaging Lab is located at Saint Louis University. Led by Patrick Corrigan, PT, D.P.T., Ph.D., our mission is to improve outcomes for individuals with musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions by developing novel treatment strategies and advancing our understanding of biochemical, structural and neurophysiological mechanisms that explain patient outcomes.

PT OBI Lab
Dr. Patrick Corrigan and his research team working in the SLU Integrated Health and Movement Science Lab.

Overview

Our team consists of clinicians including physical therapists and physicians as well as research analysists and community partners. We perform data collections across the life span to develop novel treatment strategies, as well as identify biomechanical, structural, and neurophysiological factors associated with poor patient outcomes.

Our multidisciplinary research group utilizes various methods including:

  • Biomechanics
  • Epidemiology
  • Patient-Reported Outcomes
  • Novel Physical Therapy Interventions

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Team

Principal Investigator

Patrick Corrigan, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
patrick.corrigan@health.slu.edu
314-977-8541
Patrick Corrigan
Patrick Corrigan, PT, DPT, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training at Saint Louis University. He received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Miami University, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Dayton, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in biomechanics and movement science from University of Delaware. Following his Ph.D. training, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical biomechanics and epidemiology at Northeastern University. Dr. Corrigan’s research aims to improve outcomes for individuals with tendon and joint injuries by  developing novel treatment strategies and identifying biomechanical, structural, and neurophysiological factors associated with poor outcomes. To answer research questions, Dr. Corrigan leverages skills and experiences in physical therapy, clinical biomechanics, diagnostic imaging, and epidemiology. His research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Rheumatology Research Foundation, the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, and the American College of Sports Medicine as well as disseminated nationally and internationally through peer-reviewed publications and presentations.

Ph.D. Student

Samantha Price, PT, D.P.T.
samantha.price@slu.edu

Samantha Price

Samantha Price, PT, D.P.T., is a physical therapist and current Ph.D. student within the integrated applied sciences, health sciences program. She received her bachelor's degree in human health sciences, pre-physical therapy from the University of Kentucky in 2018 where she worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the Biomotion Lab. She then went on to receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Dayton in 2021 and served as a graduate assistant in the Motion Analysis Lab. Following PT school, she worked at Dayton Children’s Hospital as a neurodevelopmental physical therapist. Her research interests include pediatric tendon injuries specifically related to biomechanical function and motor control.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Student

Abby Hanselman
Abby Hanselman
Abby is a Doctor of Physical Therapy student. She is currently investigating the relationship between tendon forces and pain in runners with Achilles tendinopathy.

Undergraduate Physical Therapy Student

Aaron Edamala
Aaron Edamala
Aaron is a junior in the Program in Physical Therapy. He is interested in understanding the process of project development and data collection. 

Undergraduate Physical Therapy Student

Megan Thompson
Megan Thompson
Megan is a freshman in the Program in Physical Therapy. She is interested in knee and hip mobility as well as biomechanical imaging techniques.

Collaborators/Mentors

Internal

  • Gretchen Salsich, Ph.D., PT – Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Saint Louis University
  • Ashley Ali, M.D. – Orthopedic Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
  • Jamil Neme, M.D. – Family Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
  • Allison Gruender, RN, M.S.N. – Orthopedic Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
  • Vinieth Bijanki, M.S., CCRP– Orthopedic Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine

External

  • Joshua Stefanik, M.S.P.T., Ph.D. – Department of Physical Therapy Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University
  • David Felson, M.D., M.P.H. – Section of Rheumatology, Boston University School of Medicine
  • Tuhina Neogi, M.D., Ph.D. - Section of Rheumatology, Boston University School of Medicine
  • Irene Davis, PT, Ph.D. – School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of South Florida
  • Cara Lewis, PT, Ph.D. – Department of Physical Therapy, Boston University
  • Michael LaValley, Ph.D. – School of Public Health, Boston University
  • Karin Silbernagel, PT, AT, Ph.D. – Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware

Join or collaborate with our team. Openings in the lab are considered on a rolling basis. Please email patrick.corrigan@health.slu.edu to inquire.

Research Projects

Ongoing Projects

“Effect of Knee Pain on Walking Mechanics”

  • Evaluate the effects of unilateral knee pain on contralateral knee joint loads during different types of walking
  • Funding Source: Rheumatology Research Foundation and Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

Interested in participating? Learn more here.