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Using Biomechanical Data to Inform Student Learning about Chair Design

This arts/medicine collaborative teaching and learning project explores biomechanics and design in interdisciplinary undergraduate studies

Project leaders – Dr Inam Haq, Tom Ainsworth and Chris Rose
Members – Volunteer undergraduate students from 3D Design, 3D Materials Practices, and Medicine

Abstract

The purpose of this arts science collaborative study was to initiate interdisciplinary teaching and learning between medicine, 3D Design and 3D materials practices programs. The project was carried out in a human movement laboratory at the University of Brighton, Eastbourne. During the project the team observed similarities and differences between the perceptions of the participating students on how they learn and critically appraise information. For example, both sets of students became aware that they used an evidence-base in their learning, and that experiential / workplace learning was a common feature of their training. The utility of inter-professional education (IPE) presented in this project has definite implications for helping inform Institutional strategies. There are several pedagogical advantages to this approach to teaching and learning including, interactivity, reflective and experiential learning, activities that challenge preconceptions and stereotypes, and learning outcomes that include further collaboration between disciplines.

Video clips

Introduction to sit to stand Professor Lee describes the significance of the sit-to-stand motion in biomechanical research.
Introduction to graph data Professor Lee describes the graph provided by the pressure plate in the biomechanics laboratory.
Detail of data represented on graph Professor Lee describes the data in further detail with this animated graph.
Healthy sequence Professor Lee describes the graph in further detail with an example taken from an ‘healthy’ individual.
Unhealthy sequence Professor Lee describes the data provided by an individual simulating situation in which pressure cannot be applied to the left leg.
Lifting chairs Chris Rose Describes issues related to the process of lifting and moving chairs of different designs.
Sit closed back Chris Rose describes the processes and actions involved with sitting in a chair with a closed back.
Sit open back Chris Rose describes the processes and actions involved with sitting in a chair with an open back.