Prof. Gao’s research is focused on the biomechanics of skeletal muscle and the adaptation of skeletal muscle to external mechanical and biological environments. Unlike other musculoskeletal tissues such as bones and ligaments, skeletal muscle is an active tissue. The contraction of skeletal muscle can generate mechanical force so that movement becomes possible. Mechanical properties of skeletal muscle depend not only on the active element, myofibrils, but also the passive elements, Extracellular Matrix (ECM). Prof. Gao is interested in the role of the ECM and in interactions with the myofibrils on the mechanical properties of skeletal muscle.
Changes in external mechanical or biological environments will cause architectural, molecular and functional changes in skeletal muscle. Prof. Gao’s research in this area focuses on the effects of aging and injury on the mechanical functions of skeletal muscle, and how the mechanical factors affect these adaptive changes.
Prof. Gao’s research group also focuses on the biomechanics of the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint, also called glenohumeral joint, is the most anatomically and mechanically complicated joint in the human body. It is characterize by large range of motion and high instability. Prof. Gao is currently interested in determining important surgical, anatomical and implant design factors that affect the performance of total shoulder implants.
Prof. Gao has spent the last six months at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) as a visiting scientist, where she established important collaborations with; Scott Rodeo, the Associate Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon, Edwards Craig, the Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon, Peter Torzilli, the Director of the Tissue Engineering, Regeneration and Repair Program and Head of the Laboratory for Soft Tissue Research, Russell Warren, the Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Tim Wright, FM Kirby Chair in Orthopaedic Biomechanics.
