
Fields of Interest
Biography
My principal research interest is the study of locomotor energetics from the perspective of mechanical engineering. To do this, I utilize many tools, including finite element modeling, musculoskeletal modeling, motion capture, Matlab, and kinematic/kinetic analysis. My lab (Primate Evolutionary Biomechanics Lab) is equipped with analysis computers, a scanner, and a 3D printer; primate skeletons and radiographs are available. I use the motion capture capabilities of the Amplifying Movement and Performance (AMP) Laboratory and I collaborate with researchers in the Departments of Orthopaedics and Sport Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine, and Mechanical and Civil Engineering. My research is, however, firmly grounded in modern evolutionary theory.
Research
Selected Research
- Harper CM, Sylvester AD, Kramer PA. 2025. Implications of variability in triceps surae muscle volumes on peak lower limb muscle forces during human walking. PLOS One. 20: e0320516. Download PDF
- Kramer PA, Feuerriegel EM, Lautzenheiser SG, Sylvester AD. (2022) Sensitivity of musculoskeletal models to variation in muscle architecture parameters. Evolutionary Human Sciences, 4:1-17. doi:10.1017/ehs.2022.6 Download PDF
- Kramer PA, Lautzenheiser SG, (2022) Foot morphology influences the change in archindex between standing and walking condition. The Anatomical Record, epub ahead ofprint. DOI: 10.1002/ar.24890. Download PDF
- Kramer PA, Lautzenheiser SG, (2022) Foot morphology influences the change in archindex between standing and walking condition. The Anatomical Record, epub ahead ofprint. DOI: 10.1002/ar.24890. Download PDF
- Cheever SM, Kramer PA, Morgan SJ, Hafner BJ. (2021) Effect of standing and sitting positions on energy expenditure in people with transtibial amputation compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Prosthet Orthot Int. (in press). Doi: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000002 Download PDF
- Sylvester AD, Lautzenheiser SG, Kramer PA. (2021) A review of musculoskeletal modelling. Royal Society Interface 11: 20200060. Doi: 10.1098/rsfs.2020.0060 Download PDF
- Hammerberg AG, Kramer PA. (2021) Consistent Inconsistencies in braking: a spatial analysis. Royal Society Interface 11: 20200058. doi: 10.1098/rsfs.2020.0058 Download PDF
- Yu B, Kramer PA (2021) Walking speed alters barefoot gait coordination and variability. Journal of Motor Behavior, epub ahead of print DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2021.1990005 Download PDF
- Sylvester AD, Lautzenheiser SG, Kramer PA. (2021) Muscle forces and the demands of human walking. Biology One, 1:1-10. doi: 10.1242/bio.058595 Download PDF
- Berthaume MD, Kramer PA. (2021) Anthroengineering: An independent interdisciplinary field. Royal Society Interface 11: 20200056. doi: 10.1098/rsfs.2020.0056 Download PDF
- Kramer PA, Berthaume MD. (2021) Introduction to Anthroengineering. Royal Society Interface 11: 20210058. doi: 10.1098/rsfs.2021.0058 Download PDF
- Agoada D, Kramer PA (2020) Radiographic measurements of the talus and calcaneus in the adult pes planus foot type. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 171:613-27. Doi: 10.1002/ajpa.23994.
- Bailey JF, Sparrey CJ, Williams FMK, Curran PF, Lotz JC, Kramer PA (2020) The effect of parity on age-related degenerative changes in sagittal balance. Spine 45:E210-216. Doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000003234 Download PDF
- Lautzenheiser SG, Sylvester AD, Kramer PA (2020) Estimating the in vivo location of the talus from external surface landmarks. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 171:354-36. Doi: 10.1002/ajpa.23957 Download PDF
- Lautzenheiser SG, Sylvester, AD, and Kramer PA. Estimating the in vivo location of the talus from external surface landmarks. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 171(2), 354–360. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.23957
- Been, Ella, Asier Gómez-Olivencia, and Patricia A. Kramer. "Brief Communication: Lumbar Lordosis in Extinct Hominins: Implications of the Pelvic Incidence." American Journal of Physical Anthropology 154.2 (2014): 307-14. Web.
- Lautzenheiser, Steven G., and Patricia Ann Kramer. "Linear and Angular Measurements of the Foot of Modern Humans: A Test of Morton'S Foot Types." The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology 296.10 (2013): 1526-533. Web.
Research Advised
- Gildee, C.M., Kramer, P.A. (2024). ‘Differences in regional bone mineral density with age in NHANES’ Podium Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Human Biology Association, Los Angeles, California.
- Gildee, Cristina. A Variable Terrain Treadmill: Development and Validation. 2021.
- Hammerberg, Alexandra. The Influence of the Mechanics of the Foot-Ground Interaction on Cost During Bipedal Walking. Diss. U of Washington. 2020.
- Lautzenheiser, Steven. Changes of Direction: Forces and Moments on the Human Talus. Diss. U of Washington. 2019.
- Agoada, David. The pes planus foot type and its evolutionary significance: the use of radiographic measurements of the talus and calcaneus in the interpretation of hominin pedal remains. Diss. U of Washington. 2018.
- Bailey, Jeannie Fern. Postural loading, sacral orientation and age influence sex-differences in lumbar functional morphology and health. Diss. U of Washington, 2016.
- Duncan, Andrea Elizabeth. Longitudinal Development of Spinal Osteoarthritis in Macaca Mulatta. Diss. U of Washington, 2010.