Fatemeh Rasouli is currently a clinical research engineer in the biomechanics industry. Her paper, highlighted as the IWB Quarterly Paper, is the culmination of the work she completed as a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of South Florida.
She investigated the interworking of gait performance under two therapy interventions applied simultaneously: treadmill training and rhythmic stimulation.
We asked her a few questions about the project. We believe that we are all more than just our research projects and we recognize the amount of work, trials, tribulations, and many other things that go into a successful paper and we wanted to share them with our IWB community! Enjoy!
What is something you want people to know about this project that you don’t get to share when writing the manuscript?
That is a very interesting question. I think when writing the manuscript, you always start with the hypothesis. But in reality, a lot of failed attempts and experiments are done to arrive at that hypothesis. I remember when we were designing the study, all of our team in the lab would walk under different training conditions until we got to the perfect protocol.
What was your biggest Win in this project?
Being part of development of a new rehabilitation therapy was an amazing experience. In our current phase of study, we are testing the same therapy technique with Stroke survivors and that is very rewarding. To know that you can have a tangible impact on improving someone’s life is the biggest win.
What was your biggest challenge/failure in this project?
My biggest challenge was recruiting participants committed to finishing all the trials. Our study was within-subject design so each participant would need to complete 4 different sessions for data to be valid. In some cases, our subjects would not come back for the follow up sessions. It is very understandable. Life can get in the way. But participants dropping off used a lot of our resources.
What advice would you give to someone who might be about to undertake a similar project, that you have learned as a result of this project?
Preparation is key in successful planning of experimental research. Testing, testing, and then more testing… :)
I spent a couple of months making sure the study design and protocol were sound and practical. As a result, we were able to complete the experimental part of the project in record time. And I am very grateful we did because shortly after that the pandemic started and all the experiments stopped for a long time.
Have the results of this paper/project led you down a certain path, if so, can/will you elaborate?
I believe this study helped me truly appreciate the value of interdisciplinary research. Combining the perspective of physical therapy for human training with engineering analysis of motion data was invaluable.
What is your favorite thing about doing biomechanics research?
Biomechanics research is a very intriguing field because it connects mechanical engineering with human motion science; creating technology that helps people improve their health.
What is your ultimate biomechanics research goal?
About 15% of the world's population suffers from a type of disability. I love to be part of a team that creates product, technology, or method that could help millions of people enhance their quality of life.
About the author:
Fatemeh is a mechanical engineer and a baking enthusiast. In her day job she helps people with disabilities walk easier through innovative techniques by applying motion science principles. In her free time, you can smell freshly baked cupcakes coming from her kitchen window