Dario Martelli, PhD

Dario Martelli, PhD, is the senior research scientist and director of the Gait and Motion Analysis Lab in the Department of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Martelli’s portfolio focuses on biomechanics, rehabilitation robotics, and human movement analysis. His research areas include developing methods and technologies helpful in restoring motor functions, with a particular interest in developing innovative solutions to improve gait and reduce the risk of falling in patients with balance disorders.

Dr. Martelli has published more than 30 articles in peer-reviewed journals. Prior to his current role, he was a postdoctoral research scientist at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Columbia University and an assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alabama.

Dr. Martelli completed his BSc and MSc degrees in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa, Italy, and his PhD in Biorobotics at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Italy.

Research Interests 

Dr. Martelli's research interests include the following:

• Biomechanics of Human Movement
• Rehabilitation and Assistive Robotics
• Fall prevention

Selected Research

Subsensory Electrical Noise Stimulation
Low levels of sensory noise applied to the skin can improve the detection of somatosensory signals, thereby providing enhanced information about body movement and position. The goal of this project is to test if imperceptible electrical stimulation can improve the control of balance against various balance challenges.

Virtual-Reality Floor Maze Test
Early diagnosis and identification of predictors for dementia is crucial as it allows for intervention with prevention and treatment strategies which can stop or delay progress. The aim of project is to validate a real-space navigation test with a fully immersive virtual reality headset that detects signs of Alzheimer’s disease by measuring navigation and gait abilities.

Perturbation-based Balance Training
Traditional exercise interventions to reduce falls target volitional movements. However, most falls are due to unexpected events like trips and slips. The goal of this project is to implement task-oriented training paradigms aimed at improving balance control in subjects with different impairments of the nervous and/or musculoskeletal systems.

View Dr. Martelli's publications on Google Scholar.