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Callaghan, Jack P.

Jack Callaghan

photo of Jack Callaghan

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Research:

Investigating mechanisms of injury associated with the generation of low back pain requires knowledge of how tissues in the back become injured and generate pain, as well as an understanding of the loads that the spine experiences in different activities. My research program combines a fundamental in-vitro research approach, examining the time varying response of the lumbar spine tissues, with in-vivo human research, examining biological responses to cumulative loading exposure from both pain generating and tissue altering/injuring perspectives. Work in my laboratories involves developing approaches to assess workplace cumulative loading exposure and injury in conjunction with in-vitro spine studies investigating the injury pathways from repetitive loading. Currently, quantifying the influence of modifiers such as repetition and magnitude of exposure in order to establish the relationship between cumulative loading and low back pain is a major focus in my research. This knowledge will complement existing epidemiological data, linking cumulative loading and low back pain, for setting exposure limits and helping to prevent low back injuries.

Dr. Callaghan is a Project leader in the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence.

Key Publications:

  1. Parkinson, R.J. and Callaghan, J.P. The role of dynamic flexion in spine injury is altered by increasing dynamic load magnitude. Clinical Biomechanics 24(2): 148-154, 2009.
  2. Dunk, N.M., Kedgley, A.E., Jenkyn, T.R., Callaghan, J.P. Sagittal lumbo‑sacral intervertebral angles in seated postures using digital radiography ‑ Evidence of a pelvis‑driven flexion pattern. Clinical Biomechanics 24(2): 164-168, 2009.
  3. Drake, J.D.M. and Callaghan, J.P. Intervertebral neural foramina deformation due to two types of repetitive combined loading. Clinical Biomechanics 24(1) 1-6, 2009.
  4. Parkinson, R.J. and Callaghan, J.P. The use of Artificial Neural Networks to reduce data collection demands in determining spine loading: A laboratory based analysis. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering 12(5): 511-522, 2009.
  5. Nelson-Wong, E., Flynn, T., Callaghan, J.P. Development of active hip abduction as a screening test for indentifying occupational low back pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 39(9): 649-657, 2009.

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