Ron Zernicke

Ron Zernicke, D.Sc., Ph.D., is a Professor at the University of Michigan's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. His research focuses on biomechanics, sports science, and musculoskeletal health, with particular emphasis on injury prevention, wearable technology integration, and athlete performance optimization. He leads interdisciplinary projects exploring biomechanical adaptations in runners, the effects of strength training on gait mechanics, and the application of AI in physical activity interventions for neurodivergent children.

Key research areas include bone stress injury mechanisms, spring-mass characteristics in running, and the use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) for gait analysis. His work spans elite athletes to clinical populations, addressing aging-related mobility challenges and osteoarthritis biomechanics. Dr. Zernicke has collaborated on longitudinal studies assessing risk factors for bone stress injuries in collegiate runners and pioneered methods to align organizational policies for scalable school-based physical activity programs.

Recent publications examine seasonal variations in basketball player movements, AI-driven program adaptation for neurodivergent children, and the relationship between psychological hope and health outcomes via wearable data. His research often bridges laboratory findings with real-world applications, emphasizing translational impact in sports medicine and public health.

Dr. Zernicke’s lab focuses on musculoskeletal biomechanics, leveraging technologies like IMUs and smartwatches to advance injury prevention and performance enhancement. He advocates for evidence-based strategies to promote optimal mobility across the lifespan, emphasizing the interplay between exercise, biological systems, and environmental factors.