Dr. John Bertram.

Reference profile.For Dr. Bertram’s current research, students, and publications, please see his McCaig Institute profile.

Research focus

Dr. Bertram’s lab investigates the dynamic consequences of movement strategies — primarily walking and running, in humans and other animals. The overall goal of the work is to generate an understanding of why movement happens as it does, rather than simply documenting what is happening at any given moment.

Much of the work is built around predictive models. The models contain explicit hypotheses about the motivation for specific movement patterns under defined circumstances — for example, why a runner adopts a particular cadence at a given speed, or why a walker slows when crossing a slippery surface. Those predictions can then be tested experimentally, tightening the connection between mechanics, energetics, and the goals of the moving subject.

Approach

• Comparative biomechanics. Studies span human gait and the locomotion of other species, with the aim of identifying principles that hold across body plans rather than features specific to any one.
• Predictive modelling. Mathematical and physical models are used to make falsifiable predictions about how a leg should behave if a particular objective (energy economy, stability, reach) is being optimised.
• Atypical movement as a probe.Recent work — including studies of parkour-style wall climbing — uses extreme cases of human locomotion as a way of revealing limits and capabilities of the leg that aren’t visible during ordinary walking and running.

Academic appointments

• Professor, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.
• Adjunct Professor, Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary.
• Director, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program.
• Associated researcher, Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education.
• Member, McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health.