University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Biomedical EngineeringLab for Aging and Foot Mechanics
Jason R Franz · Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Research Focus
Dr. Jason R. Franz's lab focuses on understanding how age-related changes in the foot and ankle affect mobility in older adults. Their research aims to uncover the complex interactions between foot mechanics and muscle performance during walking, and how these can be enhanced through innovative shoe designs. Ultimately, the lab seeks to develop practical solutions to improve walking performance and reduce energy costs for the aging population, promoting independence and quality of life.
foot mechanicsagingmobilitybiomechanicsshoe designmuscle performanceassistive deviceswalking efficiencymetabolic energy cost
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate mechanical power interactions in the foot and ankle during walking tasks in older adults.
AIM 02Assess the effects of aging on foot and ankle muscle strength and structural properties.
AIM 03Evaluate how modifications to footwear stiffness can improve walking performance in older adults.
Skills the Lab Values
biomechanical modelingin vivo ultrasound imagingelectromyographydynamometrydata analysisexperimental designpatient assessmentexercise testinggait analysis
Output against the department
Publications243top 42% of dept.249th of 595
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations5.6kbottom 43% of dept.337th of 595
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.