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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. Beach,T., Mooney, S., Callaghan, J.P. An Electromyographic evaluation of a continuous passive motion device during prolonged seated computer work. Work 20(3):237-244, 2003.
  2. Callaghan, J.P. and Dunk, N.M. Examination of the flexion relaxation phenomenon in the erector spinae muscles during short duration slumped sitting. Clinical Biomechanics 17(5):353-360, 2002.
  3. Sullivan, D., Bryden, P., Callaghan, J.P. Inter-and intra-observer reliability of calculating cumulative lumbar spine loads. Ergonomics 45(11):788-797, 2002
  4. Callaghan, J.P., Salewytch, A.J., and Andrews, D.M. An evaluation of predictive methods for estimating cumulative spine loading. Ergonomics 44(9):825-837, 2001
  5. Callaghan, J.P. and McGill, S.M. Intervertebral disc herniation: studies on a porcine model exposed to highly repetitive flexion/extension motion with compressive force. Clinical Biomechanics 16(1):28-37, 2001.