Abbey Thomas, Ph.D., ATC

CBES Area of Interest:

My research focuses on the neuromuscular and biomechanical consequences of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and how those factors contribute to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee. Specifically, I focus on quadriceps dysfunction, examining the intracortical and corticospinal contributions to this impairment and, subsequently, its impact on biomechanics during daily and athletic activities. I aim to understand the causes of acute and chronic impairments inpatients following ACL injury to establish more effective rehabilitation strategies to combat disability and improve long-term health and quality of life.

CBES Area of Expertise:

My expertise is in the field of osteoarthritis, particularly post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee. I examine the changes in neuromuscular activation and biomechanics that arise following knee injury and how those contribute to joint degeneration. I utilize a variety of exogenous stimuli, both electrical and magnetic, to stimulate the muscle and brain to elucidate the causes of mother impairments following knee injury. I also examine changes in biomechanics and functional performance using 3D motion analysis and electromyography.

Knee injury, osteoarthritis, ACL, biomechanics, TMS