Robert Parkinson, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.

SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

  • Biomechanical Modelling of Human Movement
  • Injury Biomechanics
  • Occupational Injury and Ergonomics

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Doctor of Philosophy (Biomechanics), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, 2008.
PhD Thesis: Refining the Relationship between the Mechanical Demands on the Spine and Injury Mechanisms through Improved Estimates of Load Exposure and Tissue Tolerance.
Master of Science (Biomechanics), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, 2004.
MSc Thesis: The Role of Load Magnitude as a Modifier of the Cumulative Load Tolerance of Porcine Intervertebral Joints.
Bachelor of Science, Honours (Human Kinetics), University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, 2002.

Additional Courses

  • Joint Heatlh and Safety - Industrial Establishments, 2010
  • Event Data Recorders (EDRs), 2010
  • Joint Health and Safety Committee Training, 2010
  • Head Injury and Concussion Symposium – August 4, 2008.

EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND

Giffin Koerth Inc.
Biomechanical Forensic Scientist
2008 – Present, Toronto, ON

Conducting and assisting with technical investigations involving the determination of the mechanics of injury, and performance of restraint systems and protective devices.

The University of Waterloo, Department of Kinesiology
Adjunct Professor
January 2009 - Present, Waterloo, ON

Holds a research and teaching appointment within the Department of Kinesiology

Course Instructor
January 2009 – Present, Waterloo, ON

Second year undergraduate course in advanced biomechanics. Development and delivery of course material relating to concepts and methods employed in biomechanics.
September – December, 2007. Waterloo, ON
Fourth year undergraduate course in the biomechanical modelling of human movement. Development and delivery of material and evaluation of student performance.

Teaching Assistant
September 2006 – April 2007. Waterloo, ON

Taught laboratories for first and second year students and oversaw fourth year ergonomic assessment projects. Responsible for delivering material and guiding students on practical use of laboratory equipment. Project advisement required that I assessed the merits of ergonomic interventions and ensured effective communication of the findings to management.

The University of Guelph, Department of Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences
Teaching Assistant
September 2002 – April 2003. Guelph, ON

Was responsible for teaching laboratory material related to Gait dysfunction, measurement and clinical interventions. Also oversaw research projects aimed at development of clinical aides. Acted in an advisory role for fourth year ergonomic assessments in and around the Guelph community.

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES / ASSOCIATIONS

Associations

  • Association of Canadian Ergonomists
  • Canadian Society for Biomechanics
  • American Society of Biomechanics
  • Ontario Kinesiology Association

Services

  • Reviewer for Journal of Engineering in Medicine
  • Education Committee Member, Canadian Kinesiology Alliance
  • Reviewer for Canadian Journal of Kinesiology
  • Reviewer for Ergonomics
  • Reviewer for the Journal of Biomechanics
  • Association of Canadian Ergonomists, Conference Abstract Reviewer, 2006 - 2011
  • Human Research Ethics Committee, University of Waterloo, 2004 - 2008
  • Session Chair, Ontario Biomechanics Conference, 2005

AWARDS / ACHIEVEMENTS

  • University of Waterloo Doctoral Completion Award
  • University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship
  • NSERC Canadian Graduate Scholarship (Doctoral)
  • Canadian Society for Biomechanics Student Research Award
  • Graduate Incentive Award
  • University of Guelph Academic Scholarship
  • Graduate Research Assistantship
  • NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship A
  • NSERC Student Research Assistantship
  • Graduated with Distinction
  • Boyd Award for Human Anatomy (University of Guelph)

PUBLICATIONS / SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Peer-Reviewed Research Publications

  • Parkinson, R.J., Bezaire, M., Callaghan, J.P. (2010). A comparison of low back kinetic estimates obtained through posture matching, rigid link modelling and an EMG assisted model. Applied Ergonomics. In Press.
  • Parkinson, R.J., and Callaghan, J.P. (2009). The use of Artificial Neural Networks to reduce data collection demands in determining spine loading: A laboratory based analysis. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Bioengineering. In Press
  • Parkinson, R.J., and Callaghan, J.P. (2009).The role of dynamic flexion in spine injury is altered by increasing dynamic load magnitude. Clinical Biomechanics. In Press, 24, 148-154
  • Parkinson, R.J., and Callaghan, J.P. (2008). Quantification of the relationship between load magnitude, rest duration and cumulative compressive tolerance of the spine: Development of a weighting system for adjustment to a common injury exposure level. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science. In Press, 9, 225-268
  • Parkinson, R.J., and Callaghan, J.P. (2007). Can periods of static load be used to enhance the resistance of the spine to cumulative compression? Journal of Biomechanics. 40, 2944-2952
  • Parkinson, R.J., and Callaghan, J.P. (2007). The role of load magnitude as a modifier of the cumulative load tolerance of porcine cervical spinal units: progress towards a force weighting approach. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science. 8, 171-184
  • Parkinson, R.J., Durkin, J.L., and Callaghan, J.P. (2005). Predicting intervertebral joint compressive strength using DXA obtained measures of bone mineral content: An assessment of error. Spine. 30, E492-E498
  • Beach, T.A.C., Parkinson, R.J., Stothart, J.P., and Callaghan, J.P. (2005). The effects of prolonged sitting on the passive flexion stiffness of the in vivo lumbar spine. The Spine Journal. 5, 145-154
  • Parkinson, R.J., Beach, T.A.C., and Callaghan, J.P. (2004). The time-varying response of the in-vivo lumbar spine to dynamic repetitive flexion. Clinical Biomechanics. 19, 330-336

Peer-Reviewed Conference Proceedings

  • VandenBussche, J., Gallagher, K.M., Parkinson, R.J., Young, J., Callaghan, J.P. (Submitted - 2011) Foot Placement in Oblique Stair Descent. Proceedings of the 55th Annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • Parkinson, R.J., and Callaghan, J.P. (2008). The Use of Artificial Neural Networks as a Data Reduction Approach in Determining Cumulative Exposures. In Proceedings Of The 4th North American Congress On Biomechanics. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  • Parkinson, R.J., and Callaghan, J.P. (2007). Can height loss across a functional spinal unit modified by static rest breaks mitigate cumulative compression induced injury? In Proceedings Of The 28th Annual Meeting Of The American Society Of Biomechanics. Palo Alto, California.
  • Davis, K.G., Kotowski, S.E., Callaghan, J.P., and Parkinson, R.J. (2007). Use of Acceleration to Identify Endplate Factures. In Proceedings Of The 21st Annual Meeting Of The International Society Of Biomechanics. Taipei, Taiwan: International Society Of Biomechanics Promising Young Scientist Award Plenary Session.
  • Kotowski, S.E., Parkinson, R.J., Davis, K.G., Callaghan, J.P. (2007). Taking an Acceleration Approach to Identifying Vertebral Endplate Failures. In Proceedings Of The Human Factors And Ergonomics Society 51st Annual Meeting. Baltimore, Maryland: The Human Factors And Ergonomics Society.
  • Parkinson, R.J. and Callaghan, J.P. (2006). Can an Increase in Rest Period Length Alter the Cumulative Load Tolerance of the Spine. In Proceedings Of The 14th Biennial Conference For The Canadian Society For Biomechanics. Waterloo, Ontario.
  • Parkinson, R.J. and Callaghan, J.P. (2005). Does load magnitude alter cumulative load tolerance? “Weighting” for an answer. In Proceedings Of The Xxth Annual Meeting Of The International Society Of Biomechanics. Cleveland, Ohio.
  • Parkinson, R.J., Brown, S.H.M., Flynn, J., Noble, J.W., Powell, M.L., and Callaghan, J.P. (2005). Is unconstrained loading of spinal segments more physiologic? In Proceedings Of The 24th Canadian Biomaterials Conference. Waterloo, Ontario.
  • Parkinson, R.J., and Callaghan, J.P. (2005). The use of an animal model can improve results in spinal fatigue testing. In Proceedings Of The 24th Canadian Biomaterials Conference. Waterloo, Ontario.
  • Parkinson, R.J., Durkin, J.L., and Callaghan, J.P. (2004). Predicting the failure strength of porcine cervical spinal units using bone mineral content and endplate area. In Proceedings Of The 13th Biennial Conference For The Canadian Society For Biomechanics. Halifax, Nova Scotia.
  • Beach T.A.C., Parkinson R.J., Stothart J.P., and Callaghan J.P. (2004). Prolonged sitting alters the passive flexion stiffness of the low back in flexion. In Proceedings Of The 13th Biennial Conference For The Canadian Society For Biomechanics. Halifax, Nova Scotia.
  • Parkinson, R.J., Beach, T.A.C., and Callaghan, J.P. (2003). Investigation of the lumbar spine passive tissue response to repetitive lifting. In Proceedings Of The 27th Annual Meeting Of The American Society Of Biomechanics. Toledo, Ohio.

Other Conference Proceedings

  • VandenBussche, J., Gallagher, K.M., Parkinson, R.J., Young, J., Callaghan, J.P. (2011) Foot Placement in Oblique Stair Descent. Proceedings of the 8th Annual Ontario Biomechanics Conference (OBC), Barrie, Ontario.
  • Nairn, B.C., Parkinson, R.J., Callaghan, J.P., Drake, J.D.M. (2009) Comparing Load and Posture on Lifting Tasks: Effects of Gender, Spinal Load Magnitude and Postural Asymmetry. Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Ontario Biomechanics Conference (OBC), Barrie, Ontario.
  • Parkinson, R.J. and Callaghan, J.P. (2007). Is load redistribution due to static loading a viable mechanism to enhance tolerance to cumulative compression in the spine? In Proceedings Of The 4th Annual Ontario Biomechanics Conference. Barrie, Ontario.
  • Beach T.A.C, Drake J.D.M., Gregory D.E., Howarth S.J., Jackson J.A., Nelson-Wong E., Parkinson R.J., Callaghan J.P. (2007). Cumulative Loading Exposure and Low Back Pain: Industrial health and Safety in the Automobile Industry. 6th Annual Auto21 Network Of Centres Of Excellence Hqp Conference. Windsor, Ontario.
  • Parkinson, R.J. and Callaghan, J.P. (2006). The effects of rest duration and load magnitude on cumulative load tolerance. In Proceedings Of The 3rd Annual Ontario Biomechanics Conference. Barrie, Ontario.
  • Mogk, J.P., Callaghan, J.P., Keir, P.J., and Parkinson, R.J. (2006). Elastic properties of the transverse carpal ligament: A cadaveric study with application to modeling. In Proceedings Of The 3rd Annual Ontario Biomechanics Conference. Barrie, Ontario.
  • Beach, T.A.C, Drake, J.D.M, Dunk, N.M, Durkin, J.L, Gregory, D.E., Hogan, K, Jackson, J, Parkinson, R.J., Callaghan, J.P. (2006). Cumulative Loading Exposure and Low Back Pain: Industrial Health and Safety in the Automobile Industry. 5th Annual Auto21 Network Of Centres Of Excellence Hqp Conference. Barrie, Ontario.
  • Parkinson, R.J. and Callaghan, J.P. (2005). Does load magnitude modify cumulative load tolerance? In Proceedings Of The 2nd Annual Ontario Biomechanics Conference. Barrie, Ontario.
  • Beach T.A.C, Coke S.K., Drake J.D.M., Dunk N.M., Gregory D.E., Parkinson R.J., Callaghan J.P. (2005). Industrial Health and Safety: Cumulative loading exposure and low back pain. 4th Annual Auto21 Network Of Centres Of Excellence Hqp Conference. Oshawa, Ontario.
  • Beach T.A.C., Drake J.D.M., Dunk N.M., Durkin J.L., Gregory D.E., Jackson J., Parkinson R.J., Callaghan J.P. (2004). Industrial Health and Safety: Cumulative loading exposure and low back pain. 3rd Annual Auto21 Network Of Centres Of Excellence Hqp Conference. Windsor, Ontario.
  • Beach T.A.C., Drake .J.D.M., Dunk N.M., Gregory D.E., Jackson J., Parkinson R.J., Callaghan J.P. (2003). Industrial Health and Safety: Cumulative loading exposure and low back pain. 2nd Annual Auto21 Network Of Centres Of Excellence Hqp Conference. Brampton, Ontario.

Speaking Engagements

  • Forensics Biomechanics in Canada (2013), University of Cincinnati
  • Forensics Biomechanics (2012), Department of Kinesiology, University of Toronto
  • Forensics Investigations of Slips, Trips and Falls (2012), Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo
  • Co-organizer and Speaker, Advanced Investigations of Slip, Trips & Falls and Personal Injury Claims (2012), Insurance Institute, Toronto
  • Co-organizer and Speaker, Whiplash: Myths and Misunderstandings (2010) Ontario Bar Association, Toronto
  • Biomechanics and Kinesiology in Forensics (2010) Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo
  • Bring the Lab to Work – An Examination of Data Reduction Approaches to Document Spine Loading. Occupational Biomechanics Symposium at the 4th North American Congress On Biomechanics. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  • Spine Biomechanics (2006) Department of Civil Engineering, University of Waterloo

Addtional Authored Materials

  • Co-author with Dr. Jack Callaghan and Ms. Gillian Cook - Course Materials (2012), Biomechanical Modeling of Human Movement (KIN 425)
  • Parkinson, R.J. (2010). A Mistaken Understanding of Injury. Claims Canada
  • Rob Parkinson and Michael Sinnot (2009) The Role of the Injury Biomechanist. CIAA National Claims Manual 2009
  • Parkinson, R.J. and Callaghan, J.P. (2008). Cumulative loading: Implications and background for low back pain assessments. Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders, an agency funded by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

Projects

  • Examining the impact attenuation effectiveness of chin bar equipped bicycling helmets (on-going): Co-investigators Dr. Andrew Laing, Dr. Jack Callaghan, Ms. Meagan Warnica, and Ms. Gillian Cook.
  • An investigation into angled stair descent (2011). Co-investigators, Dr. Jack Callaghan, Ms. Kaitlin Gallagher, Ms. Jessica VandenBussche and Mr. Jason Young.
  • WSIB CRE-MSD (2007-2008) - $9,960.00 Quantifying spinal loading and mechanics in industrial tasks: effects of load magnitude, gender, and coupled postures, Co Investigator.: Dr. J. Drake, University of Windsor.

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