Director
Susan Sigward, PhD, PT, ATC
Dr. Sigward Associate Professor Division of Biokinesiology & Physical Therapy University of Southern California, the director of the Division’s Human Performance Laboratory and the director of the MS Sports Science emphasis.
She is a physical therapist and athletic trainer with an MS in Anatomy and a PhD in Biokinesiology. After practicing for over 10 years in orthopedic/sports medicine settings she returned to academics to answer questions regarding movement deficits and injury risk. For the past 20 years her research has focused on the biomechanics of lower extremity injuries with an emphasis on knee/anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Her work contributes to the understanding of impaired mechanics following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a specific emphasis on early rehabilitation as well as how factors such as experience, age, training and sex influence the development of movement strategies that increase risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
She is passionate about the translation of biomechanical assessments from the research laboratory to the clinic. Much of her current work aims to identify mechanisms that can simplify the process of using data and technology for identification of movement impairments in the clinic.
Translation of technology and data into more effective and efficient care for athlete requires not only foundational work that develops accessible technologies and identifies appropriate applications, but also a work force of educated professional that can implement effective technology driven strategies. Motivated by the advances in consumer technology and data science she developed and directs the MS Biokinesiology-Sports Science Emphasis program at the University of Southern California to prepare students with graduate level knowledge and practical understanding of the concepts and tools used in sports performance assessment and interpretation with respect to injury, injury risk and optimal performance.