ChEBE Research

Anita Vasavada, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Office: McCoy South 103

Phone: (509) 335-7533

Dr. Anita Vasavada studies the mechanics of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints and muscles) with the goal of improving our understanding and treatment of clinical disorders of movement. Her research has applications particularly in the fields of orthopedics and neurology.

Anita Vasavada

Dr. Vasavada's research methods involve computer modeling of the musculoskeletal system in conjunction with experimental measurement of muscle activity, strength, and motion in humans. One aspect of her current research involves modeling the head and neck musculoskeletal system to analyze neck muscle function. These studies are directed toward understanding how humans control head movements, and the changes in function that occur with spine surgery, whiplash and other neurological disorders. Another research focus in her lab is motion analysis of patients with movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, to evaluate the effects of medical or surgical interventions. Combining modeling techniques with experimental studies helps to elucidate the basic mechanisms responsible for pathologies and to develop therapies and treatments.

Biographical Information

Anita Vasavada received a B.A. in Mathematics/Physics from Whitman College and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University in 1990. She received an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 1991. From 1991 to 1993, she worked as an engineer in the Biomechanics Laboratory in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at Yale University. She received a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University in 1999. After graduation, Dr. Vasavada was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Neurology at Emory University. In January 2001, she joined the faculty of Washington State University as an assistant professor in the departments of VCAPP and Biological Systems Engineering.

Selected Publications

Vasavada, AN, Peterson, BW, Delp, SL. Three-dimensional spatial tuning of neck muscle activations in humans. Experimental Brain Research, 147:437-448, 2002.

Vasavada, AN, Li, S, Delp, SL. Three-dimensional isometric strength of neck muscles in humans. Spine, 26(17):1904-1909, 2001

Vasavada, AN, Li, S, Delp SL. Influence of muscle morphometry and moment arms on the moment-generating capacity of human neck muscles. Spine, 23(4):412-422, 1998.

Panjabi, MM, Lydon, C, Vasavada, A, Grob, D, Crisco, JJ, Dvorak, J. On the understanding of clinical instability. Spine, 19(23):2642-50, 1994.

Ahlgren, BD, Vasavada, AN, Brower, RS, Lydon, C, Herkowitz, HN, Panjabi, MM. Effect of annular incision technique on the strength and multidirectional flexibility of the healing intervertebral disc. Spine, 19(8):948-954, 1994.

Vasavada, AN, Delp, SL, Maloney, WJ, Schurman, DJ, Zajac, FE. Compensating for changes in muscle length in total hip arthroplasty: Effects on the moment-generating capacity of the muscles. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 302:121-133, 1994.

Vasavada, AN, Delp, SL, Lieber, R. Architectural Design and Function of Human Back Muscles, in Rothman-Simeone, the Spine, 5th ed. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, 2003.

School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, PO Box 642710, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-2710, 509-335-4332, Email ChEBE