$2.7M NIH Grant Awarded to Dr. Jason Franz

Dr. Jason Franz, the lead PI of the Applied Biomechanics Lab, received a 5-year, $2.7M R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health. The project is titled “A framework for feasible translation to enhance foot and ankle function in aging and mobility A framework for feasible translation to enhance foot and ankle function in aging and mobility.” The project is an inter-disciplinary effort and includes Co-PI Dr. Kota Takahashi, an Assistant Professor of Health & Kinesiology at the University of Utah, Clinical Co-Investigator Dr. Howard Kashefsky, UNC Associate Professor of Surgery and Director of Podiatric Services, and Co-Investigator Dr. Todd Schwartz, UNC Professor of Biostatistics.

These researchers will work together to investigate the scientific premise that age-related reductions in walking performance and economy (i.e., “gas mileage”) have been mistakenly attributed solely to muscles spanning the ankle, and instead originate interdependently with unfavorable changes in the active, passive, and structural regulation of foot stiffness and power. Accordingly, the translational purpose of the work is to test the efficacy of shoe stiffness modifications to augment foot structure and function in aging and thereby improve gait performance and reduce metabolic energy cost during walking in older adults. Ultimately, the project addresses the need for new and modifiable targets to enhance mobility and independence – paving the way for feasible and cost-effective assistive devices for millions in our aging population.