Guy G. Simoneau, Ph.D., P.T., A.T.C.
Professor

Schroeder Complex 346

(414) 288-3380

Contact via e-mail

Dr. Simoneau is the current editor-in-chief of the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. A faculty member at Marquette University since 1992, he is a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. His primary areas of teaching are orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Prior to joining the faculty at Marquette, Dr. Simoneau received his PhD at Penn State University, where he focused on the study of biomechanics and gait. He has published numerous research articles and several book chapters on topics related to orthopaedic and sports physical therapy and biomechanics.

Education

Dr. Guy Simoneau completed his BS in Physical Therapy from the Universite de Montreal, Canada, in 1982. Immediately after graduation, he moved to Champaign-Urbana, IL, to pursue his MS degree in Physical Education, with a special emphasis on sports medicine and athletic training. During that time, Dr. Simoneau worked both in the training room with student athletes and in the University's rehabilitation center with students with disabilities and orthopedic injuries.

After graduation in 1984, Dr. Simoneau worked as a physical therapist in outpatient orthopaedic facilities. Between 1988 and 1992, Dr. Simoneau completed his PhD in Exercise and Sport Science at The Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA. His area of research was human locomotion with a special interest in gait and posture in the aging population. Of particular interest was the role of sensory function in the control of standing balance and foot placement during stair descent.

Ph.D.	Exercise and Sport Science (Locomotion Studies), May 1992 The Pennsylvania State University, Center for Locomotion Studies (CELOS), University Park, PA
M.S.	Physical Education (Sports Medicine), January 1984 University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Department of Kinesiology, Champaign-Urbana, IL
B.S.	Physical Therapy, May 1982 Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Canada

Teaching Responsibilities

Dr. Simoneau has been a faculty member at Marquette University since 1992. His primary area of teaching is orthopaedic physical therapy. His teaching efforts have been recognized through several national awards from the APTA. These include the 1996 Margaret L. Moore Award for outstanding new academic faculty member, the 1998 Education Award from the Sports Section, the 2000 Award for Excellence in Teaching of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy from the Orthopaedic Section, and the 2003 Dorothy E. Baethke – Eleanor J. Carlin Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching.  Dr. Simoneau was also the recipient of the 2001 Reverend John P. Raynor, S.J., Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence recognizing the best educators at Marquette University.

• PHTH 532, Orthopedics 1
• PHTH 552, Orthopedics 2
• PHTH 598, Orthopedics Elective

Research

Dr. Simoneau's areas of research interest are gait, posture and orthopedic physical therapy. He currently maintains two primary active research programs: ergonomic design of computer keyboards and walker-assisted ambulation. Dr. Simoneau's work on the design of computer keyboards has been funded by research grants from NIOSH, the Office Ergonomics Research Committee and the Arthritis Foundation, while his work on walker-assisted ambulation has received research funding from NIH and the Foundation for Physical Therapy.

The results of these research efforts have been published in several book chapters and research articles. His research work has been recognized through several national awards, including the 1997 Eugene Michels New Investigator Award for outstanding research from the APTA, the 3M Office Ergonomics Prize, honoring the best research paper on office ergonomics, presented at the 1997 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeting, the 2004 Chattanooga Research Award presented by the American Physical Therapy Association for the best clinical research article published in the journal Physical Therapy in 2003.

Keyboard Research

The computer keyboard is currently the primary input device for computers and telecommunication. Many workers in the clerical sector, which has an employment base of more than 18,000,000 people in the U.S., use a computer keyboard during a majority of their working hours, resulting in 50,000 to 100,000 keystrokes a day (40 words per minute for 8 hours). Within the last three decades of published literature, upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), including tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, have been often attributed to mechanical and electronic keyboard usage.

The conventional QWERTY keyboard is a flat keyboard that has a two-dimensional matrix of alphanumeric keys. In order to rest the fingers on the home keys, the operator of a conventional keyboard has a tendency to hold hands and forearms in a biomechanically awkward position. Both forearms are substantially pronated and both wrists may be deviated in the ulnar direction. In addition, most computer keyboard users will hold their wrists in some degree of extension in response to the typical upward slope of the keyboard. The deviated posture of the wrist and forearm in extension, ulnar deviation, and full pronation is an inherent part of typing on a computer keyboard and is believed to play a role in the development of WMSDs. Compared to a conventional keyboard, the goal of alternative keyboards is to position the wrist and forearm in a more neutral position when typing.

Our research on computer keyboard design aims to determine the mechanical and physiological stresses applied at the wrists and forearms during typing on various alternative keyboard designs. Investigated are wrist position and motion patterns, forearm musculature function, user comfort and work productivity. This work is performed in collaboration with Dr. Richard Marklin from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Marquette University.

• Marklin RW, Simoneau GG.  Design features of alternative computer keyboards: a review of experimental data.  Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 34(10):638-649, 2004

 

• Simoneau GG, Marklin RW, Berman JE.  Effect of computer keyboard slope on wrist position and forearm electromyography of typists without musculoskeletal disorders.  Physical Therapy, 83(9):816-830, 2003.

 

• Simoneau GG, Marklin RW.  Effect of computer keyboard slope and height on wrist extension angle. Human Factors, 43(2):287-298, 2001.

 

• Marklin RW, Simoneau GG.  Effect of setup configurations of split computer keyboards on wrist angle.  Physical Therapy, 81(4):1038-1048, 2001.

 

• Marklin RW, Simoneau GG, Monroe JF.  Wrist and forearm posture from typing on split and vertically inclined computer keyboards.  Human Factors, 41(4):559-569, 1999.

 

• Simoneau GG, Marklin RW, Monroe JF.  Wrist and forearm postures of users of conventional computer keyboards.  Human Factors, 41(3):413-424, 1999.

 

Walker Research

Loss of mobility and the associated loss of self-sufficiency have a dramatic impact on the elderly and on society. In 1987, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that the elderly were more likely to have problems with walking than with any other personal care activity. Often, elderly individuals can reestablish partial self-sufficiency with assistive devices such as walkers. Even though walkers are common assistive devices used by the elderly, little data exist on the biomechanics of walker use.

The long-range objectives of this line of research are to optimize the clinical use of walkers and to ultimately develop better walker designs. Our current research has focused on two specific issues: the quantification of upper extremity musculoskeletal loads associated with the use of walkers and the biomechanical description of walker-assisted gait. Quantification of upper extremity loads has been achieved through the design and construction of walkers instrumented with strain gauges and force cells. The description of walker-assisted gait has been achieved through the use of high-speed video cameras and the collection of electromyographic signals during walker ambulation by older individuals using either a conventional walker or a wheel-walker.

• Bachschmidt RA, Harris GF, Simoneau GG.  Walker-assisted gait in rehabilitation: a study of biomechanics and instrumentation.  IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 9(1):96-105, 2001.

 

• Simoneau G, Hambrook G, Bachschmidt R, Harris G.  Quantifying upper extremity efforts when using a walking frame.  In: Pediatric Gait:A new millenium in clinical care and motion analysis technology, Harris GF and Smith PA (editors).  IEEE Press, Piscataway, NJ, 2000, p. 210-216.

 

Professional Awards

• 2004 Chattanooga Research Award presented by the American Physical Therapy Association for the paper “Effect of computer keyboard slope on wrist position and forearm electromyography of typists without musculoskeletal disorders” as the best clinical research article published in Physical Therapy in 2003.

 

• 2003 Dorothy E. Baethke – Eleanor J. Carlin Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching presented by the American Physical Therapy Association.  This national award recognizes excellence in physical therapy academic education. 

• 2001 Reverend John P. Raynor, S.J., Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence presented by Marquette University. This University-wide award recognizes the best educators at Marquette University.  

 

• 2000 Award for Excellence in Teaching of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy presented by the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.  This national award honors an outstanding educator in orthopaedic physical therapy.

 

• 1998 Mary Pat Murray Award.  Awarded by the Southeast district of the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association in recognition of clinical excellence.

 

• 1998 Education Award of the Sports Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.  This national award honors an outstanding educator in sports physical therapy.

 

• 1997 3M Office Ergonomics Prize.  This prize honors the best research paper on office ergonomics presented at the 1997 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeting, 09/97, Albuquerque, NM. 

 

• 1997 Eugene Michels New Investigator Award.  This national award given by the American Physical Therapy Association honors the most outstanding new researcher in the field of physical therapy. 

 

• 1996 Margaret L. Moore Award for Outstanding New Academic Faculty Member.  This national award given by the American Physical Therapy Association honors the most outstanding new academic faculty member in the field of physical therapy. 

 

• 1991 Mary McMillan Scholarship Award.  This national award given by the American Physical Therapy Association honors a physical therapist in a doctoral-level education program who demonstrates the most scholastic ability and potential for future professional contribution.

 

• 1988 David Magee Award. Sports Medicine Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association award for the best research article in sports medicine.  Published in 1990 in Physiotherapy Canada.

Publications

Articles

• Bufton MJ, Marklin RW, Nagurka ML, Simoneau GG. Effect of keyswitch design of desktop and notebook keyboards related to key stiffness and typing force. Ergonomics, 49(10):996-1012, 2006.

• Marklin RW, Simoneau GG.  Design features of alternative computer keyboards: a review of experimental data.  Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 34(10):638-649, 2004.

 

• Simoneau GG, Marklin RW, Berman JE.  Effect of computer keyboard slope on wrist position and forearm electromyography of typists without musculoskeletal disorders.  Physical Therapy, 83(9):816-830, 2003.

 

• Simoneau GG, Marklin RW.  Effect of computer keyboard slope and height on wrist extension angle. Human Factors, 43(2):287-298, 2001.

 

• Bachschmidt RA, Harris GF, Simoneau GG.  Walker-assisted gait in rehabilitation: a study of biomechanics and instrumentation.  IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 9(1):96-105, 2001.

 

• Marklin RW, Simoneau GG.  Effect of setup configurations of split computer keyboards on wrist angle.  Physical Therapy, 81(4):1038-1048, 2001.

 

• Simoneau GG, Bereda SM, Sobush DC, Starsky AJ.  Biomechanics of elastic resistance in therapeutic exercise programs.  Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 31(1):16-24, 2001.

 

• Simoneau GG, Krebs DE.  Whole body momentum during gait: a preliminary study of non-fallers and frequent fallers.  Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 16:1-13, 2000.

 

• Marklin RW, Simoneau GG, Monroe JF.  Wrist and forearm posture from typing on split and vertically inclined computer keyboards.  Human Factors, 41(4):559-569, 1999.

 

• Van Deursen R, Simoneau GG.  Foot and ankle neuropathy, proprioception and postural stability.  Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 29(12):718-726, 1999.

 

• Simoneau GG, Marklin RW, Monroe JF.  Wrist and forearm postures of users of conventional computer keyboards.  Human Factors, 41(3):413-424, 1999.

 

• Simoneau GG.  The impact of various anthropometric and flexibility measurements on the sit-and-reach test.  Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 12(4):232-237, 1998. 

 

• Simoneau GG, Hoenig K, Lepley J, Papanek P.  Influence of hip position and gender on active hip internal and external rotation.  Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 28(3):158-164, 1998.

 

• Simoneau GG, Degner RM, Kramper CA, Kittleson KH.  Changes in ankle joint proprioception resulting from strips of athletic tape applied over the skin.  Athletic Training, JNATA, 32(2):141-147, 1997.

 

• Simoneau GG, Derr JA, Ulbrecht JS, Becker MB, Cavanagh PR.  Diabetic sensory neuropathy effect on ankle joint movement perception.  Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 77:453-460, 1996.

 

• Sobush DC, Simoneau GG, Dietz KE, Levene JA, Grossman RE, Smith WB.  The Lennie test for normal scapular rest position: a reliability and validity study. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 23(1):39-50, 1996.  

 

• Simoneau GG, Ulbrecht JS, Derr JA, Cavanagh PR.  Human postural control:new perspectives on the importance of somatosensory function.  Gait and Posture 3(3):115-122, 1995.

 

• Simoneau GG, Ulbrecht JS, Derr JA, Becker MB, Cavanagh PR.  Postural instability in patients with diabetic sensory neuropathy.  Diabetes Care 17(12):1411-1421, 1994.

 

• Cavanagh PR, Simoneau GG, Ulbrecht JS.  Ulceration, unsteadiness, and uncertainty: the biomechanical consequences of diabetes mellitus.  Journal of Biomechanics 26(S. 1):23-40, 1993.

 

• Cavanagh PR, Simoneau GG, Ulbrecht JS.  Posture and gait in patients with diabetic distal symmetrical polyneuropathy.  Commentary on article by Gandevia, SC, and Burke, D.  Does the nervous system depend on kinesthetic information to control natural limb movements?  Behavioral and Brain Sciences 15(4):724-725, 1992.

 

• Simoneau GG, Leibowitz HW, Ulbrecht JS, Tyrrell RA, Cavanagh PR.  The effects of visual factors and head orientation on postural steadiness in women 55 to 70 years of age.  Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences 47(5):M151-158, 1992.

 

• Simoneau GG, Cavanagh PR, Ulbrecht JS, Leibowitz HW, Tyrrell RA.  The influence of visual factors on fall-related kinematic variables during stair descent by older women.  Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences 46(6):M188-195, 1991.

 

• Simoneau GG.  Isokinetic characteristics of ankle evertors and invertors in female control subjects using the Biodex dynamometer.  Physiotherapy Canada 42(4):182-187, 1990.

 

Book Chapters

• Simoneau GG.  Kinesiology of walking.  In: Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Physical Rehabilitation, D. Neumann (editor), Mosby, Inc, Philadelphia, PA, 2002, p. 523-569.

   

• Marklin RW, Simoneau GG.  Biomechanics of wrist in computer keyboarding.  In: International Encyclopedia of Ergonomics and Human Factors, Karnowski W (editor), Taylor and Francis, Ltd, Philadelphia, PA, 2000, p. 883-887.

 

• Simoneau G, Hambrook G, Bachschmidt R, Harris G.  Quantifying upper extremity efforts when using a walking frame.  In: Pediatric Gait:A new millenium in clinical care and motion analysis technology, Harris GF and Smith PA (editors).  IEEE Press, Piscataway, NJ, 2000, p. 210-216.

 

• Simoneau GG, Wilk KE, Clancy WG.  Strengthening and flexibility concepts for runners.  In: Running Injuries, G Guten (editor). W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA, 1997, p. 238-253.

 

• Simoneau GG, Leibowitz HW.  Posture, Gait and Falls.  In: Handbook of the Psychology of Aging, 4th edition, JE Birren and KW Schaie (editors). Academic Press, New York, NY, 1996, p. 204-217.