Mark F. Abel, M.D.

Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery (Pediatric Orthopaedics) and Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Medical Director, Motion Analysis Laboratory

Dr. Abel's major research interest is studying the evolution of motor function in patients with neuromuscular disorders, particularly cerebral palsy. He is the Director of the University of Virginia Motion Analysis Laboratory that serves as the center for research activities. The effectiveness of treatment alternatives for cerebral palsy is a primary research objective. Current research activities include outcome and surgical decisions in cerebral palsy; natural development of gait and motor skills in diplegic cerebral palsy; effective muscle co-activation or forced generation in cerebral palsy; use of bracing in diplegic cerebral palsy and relation of energy expenditure index and motor function. Other clinical research interests include treatment of spinal deformities and management of hip dysplasia.

Selected Publications:

Abel, M.F., Sutherland, D.H., Wenger, D.R. and Mubarak, S.J.: Quantitative assessment of the hip: Comparison of 3-D reformatted images and CT scans. J. Pediatric Orthop, 14(1):48-53, 1994.

Abel, M.F., and McFarland, R.: hair and tread constriction of the digits in infants. J. Bone and Joint Surg. 75A:915-916, 1994.

Abel, M.F., Wenger, D.R., Mubarak, S.J. and Sutherland, D.H.: Quantitative analysis of hip dysplasia in cerebral palsy: A study of radiographs and 3-D reformatted images. J. Pediatric Orthop. 14(3):283-289, 1994.

Damiano, D.L., Vaughan, C.L., Abel, M.F.: Muscle response to heavy resistance exercise in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Developmental Med Child Neurol 37(8):731-739, 1995.

Abel, M.F., Damiano, D.L.: Strategies for increasing walking speed in diplegic cerebral palsy. J Ped Ortho 16(6):753-758, 1996.

Damiano, D.L. and Abel, M.F.: Relation of gait analysis to gross motor function in cerebral palsy. Developmental Med Child Neuro 38(5):389-396, 1996.

Johnson, D.C., Damiano, D.L., Abel, M.F.: The evolution of gait in childhood and adolescent cerebral palsy. J. Pediatric Orthop 17(3):392-396, 1997.

Carlson, W.E., Vaughan, C.L., Damiano, D.L., Abel, M.F.: Orthotic management of gait in spastic diplegia. Am J Physical Med & Rehab 76(3):219-225, 1997.

Damiano, D.L., Abel, M.F.: Functional outcomes of strength training in spastic cerebral palsy. Archives of Phys Med & Rehab. 79(2):119-125, 1998.

Abel, M.F., Juhl, G.A., Vaughan, C.L., Damiano, D.L.: Gait assessment of fixed ankle-foot orthoses in children with spastic diplegia. Archives of Phy Med & Rehab. 79(2):126-133, 1998.