Jianhua Wu
Chair, Department of Kinesiology and Health - Professor Kinesiology and Health- Education
Ph.D.,University of California,Davis, 2003
M.S., Donghua University, China, 1998
B.S., Zhejing Sci-Tech University, China, 1995
- Specializations
Biomechanical analysis of postural control and development
Kinematics, kinetics, and neuromuscular analysis of healthy and pathological gait
Modeling posture and gait control through linear and nonlinear dynamics
Studying the effectiveness of physical intervention in children with disabilities
- Biography
Jianhua Wu (Jerry Wu) is the Department of Kinesiology and Health chair.
Jianhua Wu’s research goal is to understand locomotor and postural development and enhance bone mineral accrual and motor functioning in children with disabilities such as Down syndrome. Wu has published his research work in high-impact journals such as Osteoporosis International, Experimental Brain Research, Gait and Posture, Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, and Physical Therapy Journal.
Wu received his academic education and training in bioengineering and motor development. He has been conducting research on children with Down syndrome for more than 10 years. His research has provided solid evidence that early treadmill stepping intervention significantly advances walking onset and enhances the development of walking in infants with Down syndrome.
His current research is focused on understanding bone mineral accrual and locomotion function in children with Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome. The ultimate goal is to develop an effective physical intervention program to enhance bone growth and improve locomotion function in these children.
- Publications
1) Wu, J., & Ajisafe, T. (2013). Kinetic patterns of treadmill walking in preadolescents with and without Down syndrome. Gait and Posture. DOI: 10.1007/s00198-013-2393-7.
2) Wu, J. (2013). Bone mass and density in preadolescent boys with and without Down syndrome. Osteoporosis International. DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2013.07.113.
3) Wu, J., Looper, J., Ulrich, D., Angulo-Barroso, R. (2010). Effect of different treadmill interventions on the development of joint kinematics in infants with Down syndrome. Physical Therapy, 90 (9): 1265-1276.
4) Wu, J., McKay, S., Angulo-Barroso, R. (2009). Center of mass control and multi-segment coordination in children during quiet stance. Experimental Brain Research, 196 (3): 329-339.
5) Wu, J., Ulrich, D., Looper, J., Tiernan, C., Angulo-Barroso, R. (2008). Strategy adoption and locomotor adjustment in obstacle clearance in newly walking toddlers with Down syndrome after different treadmill interventions. Experimental Brain Research, 186 (2): 261-272.
6) Wu,, J. Looper, J., Ulrich, B., Ulrich, D., Angulo-Barroso, R. (2007). Exploring effects of different treadmill interventions on walking onset and gait patterns in infants with Down syndrome. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 49 (11): 839-845.