Usha Kuruganti

Research interests

• Human factors
• Ergonomics
• Electromyography
• Biological signal processing
• Neuromuscular physiology

Biography

Dr. Usha Kuruganti is a Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of New Brunswick and a registered professional engineer. Her research area is the area of human factors, ergonomics and neuromuscular physiology.

The main focus of her research is to use electromyography to obtain muscle activity patterns and to apply specialized biological signal processing techniques to understand the underlying muscle physiology. Her scholarly work focuses on teaching methodologies, problem based learning and engineering accreditation.

Current research projects

• Myoelectric signal analysis of amputee populations for prosthetic control
• The effect of strength training on children with cerebral palsy
• Ergonomic assessment and neuromuscular function of tree harvesting machine operators
• Interlimb coordination, bilateral limb deficit

Publications

Kuruganti, U., and Murphy, T. “Bilateral Deficit Expressions and Myoelectric Signal Activity During Submaximal and Maximal Isometric Knee Extensions in Young, Athletic Males,” European Journal of Applied Physiology 102: 721 – 726.

Kuruganti, U., Parker, P., Rickards, J. and Tingley, M. “Strength and Muscle Coactivation in Older Adults After Lower Limb Strength Training,” International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 36: 761 – 766.

Kuruganti, U. “An Investigation of the Bilateral Limb Deficit Phenomenon in Lower Limbs,” Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology 30(4): 500. (published abstract)

Kuruganti, U., Parker, P., Rickards, J. and Tingley, M. “Strength and Muscle Coactivation in Older Adults After Lower Limb Strength Training,” International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 36: 761 – 766.

Kuruganti, U., and Rickards, J. “The Role of Human Factors Engineering in Establishing Occupational Fitness Standards,” International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 34: 451-457.

Kuruganti, U., Parker, P., Rickards, J., Sexsmith, J., and Tingley, M. “Bilateral isokinetic training reduces the bilateral leg strength deficit for both old and young adults.” European Journal of Applied Physiology 94: 175 – 179.

Kuruganti, U. and Seaman, K. “Vertical Jump and Strength Profiles of Young Female Figure Skaters,” Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, V3: S46.

Kuruganti, U. and Zundel, P. “Teaching Quantitative Skills Using Repeated Problem Solving Exercises Combined with Explicit Learning Outcomes.” In S. Le-May Sheffield, C. O'Neil, K. L. Taylor, and D. Nevo, (Eds.), Atlantic Universities' Teaching Showcase 2004: Proceedings, IX. Halifax: Dalhousie University.

Kuruganti, U. and Seaman, K. “The Bilateral Limb Deficit Phenomenon is Present in Young Female Figure Skaters,” Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, V3: S46.

Kuruganti, U., Hudgins, B. and Scott, R.N., “Two Channel Enhancement of a Multifunction Control System,” IEEE Transactions of Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 42, No. 1, January, 1995, pp. 109-111.