Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext: 22910
Fax: (905) 522-6095
Office: Rm.441, IAHS
Email: pierryn@mcmaster.ca

Profile

Michael Pierrynowski is an Associate Professor within the School of Rehabilitation Science and the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University. Michael is a biomechanist who has a long standing history of clinically focused research. However in the past 10 years he has persevered to learn the tools of directional statistics to further understand the nuances of human motion. He is fortunate to have been mentored by three leading experts in the area of Directional Statistics. First, Michael collaborates with Peter Kim, University of Guelph, on the application of geometrical tools to understand differences in human motion. Second, he spent six months in 2006 to work with Louis-Paul Rivest, a Canada Research Chair in Innovative Data Analysis at Laval University. They examined the lack of fit of a two-axis model to fit the motion of the human ankle. , Third, research with Ted Chang, University of Virginia, is currently exploring the use of standardized influence functions to understand the soft tissue motion of the thigh and leg relative to the tibia and femur during activity.

Research Specialty

Michael’s research program focuses on two primary areas and he publishes in each. First, he evaluates innovative modeling and statistical tools to understand the motion of the ankle, knee, spine, and neck. Second, the application of these models allows health care professionals better treat their patients. Specifically, selecting best treatment interventions for patients with mechanical neck disorders or knee osteoarthritis, and fabricating and monitoring the acceptance of foot orthoses for patients with lower extremity pain and dysfunction are important goals.

Fun Fact

Built a Garden Folly that amused and amazed his neighbours.

Taking Graduate Students

I am looking for motivated full-time MSc and PhD graduate students with strong mechanical, mathematical and programming experience who will use those skills to examine human movement. 

Lab/Research Institute

Human Movement Laboratory, McMaster University

Courses Taught

MSc RS, PT and OT, McMaster University
2010-2011
RS 701: Analysis and Rehabilitation of Functional Movement, Course Co-coordinator
PT Unit 1: Fundamentals of PT Practice, Tutor
PT Unit 2: Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Practice, Tutor
OT Term 4: Youth & Development of Self, Research Course Tutor

2009-2010
RS 701: Analysis and Rehabilitation of Functional Movement, Course Co-coordinator
PT Unit 1: Fundamentals of PT Practice, Tutor
PT Unit 2: Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Practice, Tutor
OT Term 4: Youth & Development of Self, Research Course Tutor

2008-2009
PT Unit 1: Fundamentals of PT Practice, Tutor
PT Unit 2: Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Practice, Tutor
OT Term 4: Youth & Development of Self, Research Course Tutor

Recent Research

Project Title: Biochemical and Functional Evaluation of A Low Cost Energy Storage and Return Orthosis
Investigators: Pierrynowski MR, Ruder G.
Funding Agency: Natural Science and Engineering Research Council, subcontracted research with George Brown College Prosthetics and Orthotics Program,
Amount: $21, 000
Funding Period: 15 May 2010 – 15 May 2011

Project Title: Decreased foot pain and decreased walking effort attributed to wearing foot orthoses or receiving ultrasound therapy
Investigators: Pierrynowski MR, Trotter L
Funding Agency: Sole Support Incorporated
Amount: $43, 500
Funding Period: 01 January 2010 – 30 June 2011

Project Title: Proposal to Evaluate the Efficacy of the InterX5000 in the Treatment of Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain.
Investigators: Triano J, Woodhouse L, Galea V, Injeyan HS, MacDermid J, McGregor M, Pierrynowski MR, Ruegg R, Teodoroczyk JA.
Funding Agency: Neuro Group Inc
Amount: $423, 000
Funding Period: 01 Aug 2006 - 31 Dec 2010

Project Title: The analysis of directional data with applications to biomechanics and biomedical
Imaging
Investigators: Rivest L-P, Massam H, Kim P, Chung M, Dickey J, Pierrynowski MR
Funding Agency: NICDS (National Institute for Complex Data Structures) Inaugural Workshop Support
Amount: $34, 000
Funding Period: 01 May 2009 – 31

Project Title: Influence of Foot Orthoses on Foot Mechanics
Investigators: Pierrynowski MR, Trotter, L.
Funding Agency: Sole Support Incorporated
Amount: $55, 400
Funding Period: 01 July 2008 – 30 June 2009