Ayaka Hobo participation in 3DAHM, Uruguay
Master's Student in Physical Education
University of Tsukba, Japan
The 3DAHM symposium in Uruguay was my first international conference. I presented a non-invasive methodology of evaluating the plantar fascia strain during locomotion by combining ultrasound and motion capture systems. The opportunity to discuss our outcomes was an invaluable and truly honourable experience for me. During my first presentation, I was extremely nervous, and my performance fell short of my expectations, leaving me deeply frustrated. But rather than being discouraged, my experience at the 3DAHM symposium has further fuelled my passion to present my research internationally and contribute to the biomechanics community.
My research interest is in inter-individual variation and its determinants in the foot deformation dynamics in human locomotion. As a potential substantial factor, we focus on muscle-tendon-fascia interaction. The research presented at this symposium is positioned as the first step of my Master’s research. In our protocol, we track small (4 mm in diameter) hemispherical markers attached to the foot surface and the ultrasound transducer. This process required precise camera settings and meticulous equipment operation. The research presented was obtained after repeated trial-and-error. I intend to apply this methodology to investigate muscle-tendon-fascia dynamics relevant to inter-individual differences in foot arch deformation during walking and running. I am inspired by the potential of this research to contribute to elucidating the role and mechanisms of foot deformation during locomotion.
Just after the symposium, I lost my passport and missed my return flight. In this difficult situation, many people at the conference generously supported me. I am especially grateful to Professor Franco Simini, the conference president, for providing accommodation and assisting me until I could return home safely. This experience truly highlighted the kindness and generosity of the academic community.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who engaged with me during the conference.
Ayaka Hobo
Carlos Sendra-Pérez visit at Unipampa - Brazil
Doctoral Student in Physiological Sciences
Universitat de València, Spain
I am a doctoral student in Physiological Sciences at the Universitat de València in Spain. I applied for the ISB International Travel Grant and was lucky to be granted it. My main goal was to apply for ISB funding to cover the expenses of an international research visit as part of my doctoral program. The ISB International Travel Grant program allowed me to visit the Federal University of Pampa in Brazil for 90 days, from July to September 2024. During this time, I was with the Applied Neuromechanics Research Group (GNAP) of the Federal University of Pampa, working under the supervision of Professor Felipe P. Carpes.
The International Travel Grant from the ISB provided me with a unique experience. It enabled me to learn about another university, connect with people from another research group, and dive into Brazilian culture. The experience abroad also taught me about technologies unavailable in our laboratory in Valencia (e.g., the Vicon Motion System for 3D motion capture using infrared cameras). In addition, the visit also allowed me to learn about Brazil and the people living there.
The main activities developed during my stay in Brazil included:
- Attending the lab routine under the supervision of Dr. Felipe P. Carpes.
- Conducting experiments as part of a research project with GNAP students to assess the relationship between neuromuscular electrical activity and muscle oxygen saturation during exercise. The results of this project are planned to be presented at the upcoming ISB Congress 2025.
- Collaborating in research and teaching activities involving combined biomechanical and physiological measures, such as experiments related to jump landing performance and squat mechanics.
- Contributing to the development of scripts for data analyses.
- Attending the annual Graduate Program Symposium through an oral communication titled “Validación del sensor Calera Research durante una intervención en un incendio residencial. Un estudio piloto.”
Actively participating in the weekly Journal Club, which happens every Friday in the laboratory. This journal club is live-streamed, so people from other universities also participate. In one meeting, I was responsible for conducting research about “Pedaling posture and muscle oxygenation.”
I would like to thank the ISB for granting me the International Travel Grant and for all the work carried out towards the development of students and new scientists in biomechanics. I would also like to thank my supervisor, Professor Jose Ignacio Priego-Quesada, for his daily encouragement and help in preparing the proposal, and Professor Felipe P. Carpes for all his help and assistance and his role as a host professor.
In addition, I also want to thank Professor Willian Da Silva, who consistently encouraged me to reapply for the International Travel Grant scholarship. Furthermore, I would like to thank all the Applied Neuromechanics Research Group (GNAP) students for having me at the Federal University of Pampa and for their support during my stay.
I am sure this experience will greatly impact my professional and personal life. I will continue working to learn more about biomechanics, seeking my development as a future scientist in this field, and contributing to the development of students interested in learning more about the biomechanics of human movement.
Kind regards,
Carlos Sendra-Pérez
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