Overview

Dr. Powers’ research and teaching interests relate to the biomechanical aspects of human movement. More specifically, his research focuses on how altered kinematics, kinetics, and muscular actions contribute to lower extremity injury. He is particularly interested in the pathomechanics underlying knee and patellofemoral joint dysfunction. He is currently the Co-Director of the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Laboratory and the Director of the Program in Biokinesiology at USC.

Research Funding

  • 35TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF BIOMECHANICS
    NIH · R13EB013939 · Jul 1, 2011 – Jun 30, 2012 · Role: Principal Investigator
  • An innovative tool for assessment of gait dysfunction in the clinical setting
    NIH · R44AG052199 · Jun 1, 2011 – May 31, 2018 · Role: Co-Principal Investigator
  • An innovative tool for assessment of gait dysfunction in the clinical setting
    NIH · R43HD068147 · Jun 1, 2011 – Mar 31, 2012 · Role: Co-Principal Investigator
  • New concepts on mechanisms underlying disordered movement: Force generation impa
    NIH · R13HD062117 · Jul 20, 2009 – Jun 30, 2010 · Role: Principal Investigator
  • Mechanics of non-contact ACL injuries in female athletes
    NIH · R01AR053073 · Apr 15, 2005 – Mar 31, 2010 · Role: Principal Investigator

Publications

  • The influence of isolated femur and tibia rotations on patellar tendon stress: A sensitivity analysis using finite element analysis. J Orthop Res. 2023 02; 41(2):271-277.. View in PubMed
  • Classification of Runners with High versus Low Hip Adduction Based on Measures of Pelvis and Femur Morphology. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2022 04 01; 54(4):590-597.. View in PubMed
  • Activation training facilitates gluteus maximus recruitment during weight-bearing strengthening exercises. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2022 Apr; 63:102643.. View in PubMed
  • Utility of 2D Video Analysis for Assessing Frontal Plane Trunk and Pelvis Motion during Stepping, Landing, and Change in Direction Tasks: A Validity Study. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2022; 17(2):139-147.. View in PubMed
  • Quantification of reactive arm responses to a slip perturbation. J Biomech. 2022 03; 133:110967.. View in PubMed
  • The influence of hip flexion mobility and lumbar spine extensor strength on lumbar spine flexion during a squat lift. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2022 Apr; 58:102501.. View in PubMed
  • The influence of hip extensor and lumbar spine extensor strength on lumbar spine loading during a squat lift. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2022 Feb; 62:102620.. View in PubMed
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnosing and Treatment Challenges and the Possibility of Jarisch-Herxheimer Reactions If High Infectious Loads Are Present. Healthcare (Basel). 2021 Nov 10; 9(11).. View in PubMed
  • Hip Adduction during Running: Influence of Sex, Hip Abductor Strength and Activation, and Pelvis and Femur Morphology. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2021 11 01; 53(11):2346-2353.. View in PubMed
  • Immediate Improvements in Patellofemoral Pain Are Associated With Sagittal Plane Movement Training to Improve Use of Gluteus Maximus Muscle During Single Limb Landing. Phys Ther. 2021 10 01; 101(10).. View in PubMed