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University of Southern California
University of Southern California
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
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Education
Education

Shawn Roll | Musculoskeletal Sonography & Occupational Performance (MSOP) Lab

About the MSOP lab

Research conducted in the Musculoskeletal Sonography and Occupational Performance laboratory, led by Dr. Shawn C. Roll PhD, OTR/L, RMSKS, FAOTA, FAIUM, is focused on the prevention, assessment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries with a focus on the use of musculoskeletal sonographic imaging. The laboratory explores the interactions among environmental, activity and psychosocial factors, as well as their positive and negative effects on body structures, functions and occupational performance. This research, conducted in laboratory, clinical and community-based settings, is meant to inform and enhance preventive and rehabilitative interventions. Research conducted in the MSOP lab strives to advance the understanding of musculoskeletal disorders through a holistic approach to effectively evaluate and provide prevention or rehabilitation interventions within the adult population.

About the residency

Current opportunities for an OTD resident lie in active projects related to supporting worker health, well-being, and occupational performance, with a particular focus on work-related stress and musculoskeletal disorders. In collaboration with faculty in the Viterbi School of Engineering, we are leveraging artificial intelligence to develop a “smart” workstation that can monitor the environment and workers’ engagement. We are exploring ways of automating the detection of postures, occupational engagement, and work-related stress, with the goal of developing technologies or feedback approaches to support behavior change or self-management of health among workers. In a related project, the MSOP team is leading a longitudinal survey registry study that is examining the factors that contribute to the development or reduction of work-related injuries among users of ultrasound imaging. Additional projects are examining the integration of Lifestyle Redesign and sonographic imaging into clinical approaches for patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions. These projects consider both the broader process involved in integrating different approaches into treatment sessions and more specific analysis of individual biometric data (e.g., sonographic images). Ongoing data analysis includes evaluation of median nerve and carpal tunnel syndrome, flexor tendon repair, and scleroderma.

This opportunity will provide an OTD resident with foundational knowledge related to conceptualization, methods, design, and conduct of research through immersion in an active, robust research lab. The OTD resident will oversee ongoing literature reviews related to these projects; become proficient in using ergonomic assessment tools to collect data; support data management; participate in data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination activities (e.g., papers, presentations); and assist with academic and research-related writing associated with lab studies and projects (i.e., literature reviews, grants, IRBs, proposals, publications).

More information on these projects, other related projects and activities can be reviewed on the MSOP lab website.

Financial support

Individuals may apply for competitive division scholarship awards. These scholarships will cover up to 18 units of tuition.

Contact information

For additional questions, contact Dr. Roll at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).