Asghar Rezaei, Ph.D.

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SUMMARY

Asghar Rezaei, Ph.D., specializes in studying the mechanics of soft and hard tissues using both invasive and noninvasive assessment tools. His work integrates mechanical and kinematic testing to explore the underlying mechanisms of degenerative spinal pathologies and bone fractures. In addition to studying spinal biomechanics, Dr. Rezaei investigates human gait and strength and the effects of aging on musculoskeletal health. He uses noninvasive imaging techniques such as quantitative computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and elastography to study spinal pathologies and improve diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Focus areas

• Bone fracture predictions. Dr. Rezaei develops patient-specific computational models such as finite element analysis using quantitative computerized tomography imaging. These models help predict bone fractures and study spinal kinematics, improving understanding of fracture risk and prevention.
• Human locomotion. With the Motion Analysis Laboratory of Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D., Dr. Rezaei investigates the kinematic motions of the human spine. His focus is on how aging affects spinal movement patterns and muscle activation.
• Disk degeneration and spinal pathologies. Dr. Rezaei researches the relationship between disk degeneration and spinal disorders with the goal of understanding and addressing causes of low back pain.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Rezaei creates tools to help know ahead of time which patients are more likely to break a bone. These tools offer important clues that help patients and their healthcare professionals make better choices about finding and preventing broken bones. The tools also help in making personalized treatment plans for each patient when broken bones happen.

Dr. Rezaei also studies patient volunteers as well as the bodies of people who have died to learn more about diseases that cause disks in the spine to break down, also called degenerate. He uses images instead of surgery to find new ways to find and treat spinal conditions — especially low back pain.

Professional highlights

• Associate editor, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2021.
• Eagles Fifth District Cancer Telethon for Cancer Research Fellowship Award, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2019.
• Charles W. Haynes Fellowship Award, North American Brain Injury Society, 2013.