The Interdisciplinary Rehab Research Seminar Series welcomed Brian Pietrosimone, PhD, ATC, to Duke on August 27 for a compelling presentation titled “Biomechanical Path to Osteoarthritis Following Knee Injury and a GAIT-way to Improved Outcomes.” Dr. Pietrosimone is a professor in the Department of Exercise Science, Director of the Motion Science Institute (MSI), and Co-Director of the Sports Medicine Institute.
Reflecting on his early experience as an athletic trainer, he shared, “Working with athletes during and after injury helped build my interest in motion science.” Today, he leads MSI’s mission to explore, educate, and engage in musculoskeletal injury prevention.
Osteoarthritis ranks among the top five most costly conditions to treat in the U.S., with annual expenses estimated at $486.4 billion. Since there is no known cure, prevention is essential. Dr. Pietrosimone discussed MSI’s cutting-edge research on ACL recovery and reinjury, including a recent case study of a collegiate athlete recovering from ACL reconstruction. Using wearable sensors and app-connected feedback, the team tracked gait asymmetries and neuromuscular patterns during rehab. This data enabled clinicians to modify the athlete’s treatment plan in real-time, ultimately lowering the risk of reinjury and enhancing functional outcomes.
This work highlights the potential of wearable technology to personalize care and promote long-term recovery for patients with knee injuries.