Dany Gagnon, Ph.D.

Full professor and director of physiotherapy programs

Contact details (Research)
Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR)
Site Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal
6300 avenue Darlington
Montreal (Quebec), H3S 2J4

Contact details (School of Rehabilitation)
T 514 343-6111, poste 26382
dany.gagnon.2@umontreal.ca

Program
Physiotherapy

Researcher profile (french)
Research background (french)


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