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Dr. Jeff Nessler

Dr. Nessler directs the Biomechanics Laboratory at CSUSM. His research interests focus on how the nervous system controls locomotion in humans and animals and the potential application of these control principles to rehabilitation from neurological disease. Currently, Dr. Nessler is directing 3 specific research projects:

1. Rehabilitation robotics: this project is sponsored by a grant from the National Science Foundation and is designed to study the effects of a robotic step-training device on muscle physiology in individuals following spinal cord injury.
2. Evaluation of a DJO knee extension constraint knee brace: this project evaluates the biomechanical properties of movement in subjects wearing a new knee brace designed to prevent ACL injury.
3. Spontaneous entrainment during side by side walking: this project is focused on understanding the mechanical and sensory contributions to unintentional synchronization that occurs when individuals walk side by side. This behavior may be useful in rehabilitation by pairing a healthy individual with someone that is unsteady.
4. Movement variability following fatigue: this project is focused on understanding the effects of different types of fatigue on performance variability. This knowledge may be useful for training athletes to be more consistent and understanding the contributions of fatigue to injury.

Students participating in gait studies in the biomechanics lab

Robotic step-training device used in NSF-funded study

Kincaid-Sharp, E., Nessler, J. (2011). Synchronization of Gait to a Vertically Oscillating Walkway: A Preliminary Analysis, Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research, Walnut, CA.

Terwilliger, N., Lopez, A., Long-Anastasia, T., Studer, J., Nessler, J. (2011). Are Knee Kinematics Altered During a Run-Stop-Jump Task Following Practice With a Knee Extension Constraint Brace?, Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research, Walnut, CA.

Lopez, A., Long-Anastasia, T., Studer, J., Terwilliger, N., Nessler, J. (2011). The Effects of a Knee Extension Constraint Brace on Performance of a Run-Stop-Jump Task vs a Box-Drop Jump, Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research, Walnut, CA.

Long-Anastasia, T., Lopez, A., Studer, J., Terwilliger, N., Nessler, J. (2011). Running Speed, Jump Height, and Ground Reaction Force During a Run-Stop-Jump Task are not Affected by Use of a Knee Extension Constraint Brace, Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research, Walnut, CA.

Nessler, J.A., Huynh, H., McDougal, M. (2011). A single bout of resistance training does not affect nonlinear dynamics of lower extremity kinematics during treadmill walking. Gait & Posture, 34(2), 285-287.

Nessler, J.A., Cowell, J., Kephart, G., De Leone, C. (2011). Varying treadmill speed and inclination affects spontaneous synchronization during side by side walking. J. Applied Biomechanics.

Nessler, J.A., Gonzales, T, Steinbrick, M., Deleone, C. (2011) Analysis of Stride Interval Dynamics During Side by Side Walking. Motor Control, 15(3), 390-394.

McDougal, M., Huynh, H., & Nessler, J. (2010). The effect of moderate muscle fatigue on nonlinear measures of lower extremity kinematics during treadmill walking. Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research, Malibu, CA.

Duhon, J., Schmitt, R., Soto, D., & Nessler, J. (2010). Ground reaction force is altered following four weeks of automated locomotor training in spinal cord injured rats. Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research, Malibu, CA.

Schmitt, R., Duhon, J., Soto, D., & Nessler, J. (2010). Robot applied plantarflexion load increases ground reaction force without altering step trajectory: implications for body weight supported treadmill training. Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research, Malibu, CA.

Soto, D., Doyle, P., Duhon, J., Nakamura, E., Schmitt, R. & Nessler, J. (2010). Preserving lower limb muscle function following spinal cord injury; a comparison of three robotic training algorithms. Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research, Malibu, CA.

Nessler, J.A., Duhon, J., Keller, R., Thys, T. (2010). Animal-robot interaction force as a measure of locomotor recovery following spinal cord injury, In Proc. Annual Meeting American Society of Biomechanics, Providence, RI.

Nessler, J.A., Cowell, J, Kephart, G, Gonzales, T., Steinbrick, M., DeLeone, C., "Biomechanics of Step Synchronization, Two Preliminary Investigations," In Proc. 16^th annual USNCTAM 2010, State College, PA.

Amiton C, Nessler J, Owen A, Martin B, Jackson R, Witzke KA. Landing Strategies May Attenuate Peak Ground Reaction Forces in a Home-Based Jumping Program in Premenopausal Women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 42(5S), 2010.

Witzke KA, Nessler, J, Amiton C, Owen A, Martin, B. Dose-Dependent Effects Of Jumping On Femoral Bone Density And Femoral Strength Index In Premenopausal Women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 42(5S), 2010.

Cowell, J, Kephart, G., Nessler, J. "Varying Treadmill Speed and Inclination Affects Unintentional Synchronization During Side by Side Walking," SWACSM Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA 2009.

Aboy, R. Evans, M., Nessler, J. "Spatial Proximity and Interpersonal Synchronization During Side by Side Treadmill Walking," SWACSM Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA 2009.

Aarestad, L.M., Nessler, J.A. "EMG Analysis of an Actual and Virtual Golf Swing Using the Nintendo Wii," SWACSM Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA 2008.

Nessler, J.A., & Pottukalam, R. (2008). Body Weight Support Alters Lower Limb Kinematics During Treadmill Stepping in Unimpaired Subjects. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 40(5S).