Dany Gagnon, Ph.D.

Education

• B.Sc. Physiotherapy, McGill University (1990)
• M.Sc. Biomedical Sciences (Rehabilitation), University of Montreal (2001)
• Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences (Rehabilitation), University of Montreal (2008)
• Postdoctoral, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA & Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Hospital Pittsburgh-Highland Park Campus, Pittsburgh PA USA (2007-2008)
• Postdoctoral, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada & Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Toronto, Ontario, Canada (2008-2009)

Current research projects

• Robotic exoskeletons for gait and hand function rehabilitation
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging in rehabilitation
• Biomechanics of manual wheelchair propulsion and associated functional and recreational activities
• Prevention of secondary complications and health promotion

Distinction

• Excellence in Teaching Award for graduate supervision at the University de Montreal (2018)

Selected publications

• Martin-Lemoyne, V., Vincent, C., Boutros, G., Routhier, F. & Gagnon, D. (2020). Effects of a trained mobility assistance dog on upper extremity muscular demand during wheelchair propulsion on tiled and carpeted floors in individuals with a spinal cord injury. Clinical Biomechanics, 73, 28-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2019.12.022
• Bass, A., Brosseau, R., Décary, S., Gauthier, C. & Gagnon, D. (2020). Comparison of the six-minute propulsion and arm crank ergometer tests to assess aerobic fitness in manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1097/phm.0000000000001534
• Escalona, M. J., Bourbonnais, D., Goyette, M., Duclos, C. & Gagnon, D. (2020). Wearable exoskeleton control modes selected during overground walking affect muscle synergies in adults with a chronic incomplete spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 6(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-020-0269-6
• Proulx, C. E., Beaulac, M., David, M., Deguire, C., Haché, C., Klug, F., Kupnik, M., Higgins, J. & Gagnon, D. (2020). Review of the effects of soft robotic gloves for activity-based rehabilitation in individuals with reduced hand function and manual dexterity following a neurological event. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 7. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055668320918130
• Lalumière, M., Larivière, C., Nadeau, M.-J., Paquette, P., Lamontagne, M., Desmeules, F. & Gagnon, D. (2020). Proposing a minimal data set of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging biomarkers to inform clinical practice: An analysis founded on the achilles tendon. Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, 46(9), 2222-2235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.04.024
• Paquette, P., Higgins, J., Danino, M. A., Harris, P., Lamontagne, M. & Gagnon, D. (2020). Effects of a preoperative neuromobilization program offered to individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome awaiting carpal tunnel decompression surgery: A pilot randomized controlled study. Journal of Hand Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2019.12.012

To see all publications on Google Scholar

Research interests

Main methodological approaches in research :

• Biomechanics: dynamometry, electromyography, kinematics and kinetics
• Musculoskeletal imaging: ultrasound imaging
• Exercise physiology: muscular and cardiorespiratory demands and perception of exertion
• Metrological qualities: fidelity, validity and sensitivity to changes
• Systematic review

Main research themes:

• Characterization of factors facilitating or hindering the performance of functional, recreational and sports activities
• Development and/or evaluation of the feasibility, safety, potential effects and satisfaction of innovative interventions and new technologies in rehabilitation
• Implementation of clinical trials with various experimental designs in order to determine and/or compare the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions and technologies
• Documenting the perspective of people living with sensorimotor and functional disabilities, their caregivers and rehabilitation professionals