Vicki Komisar

Dr. Vicki Komisar is an Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus. She received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2018 from the University of Toronto and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – University Health Network. Her research and development program aims to prevent falls and fall-related injuries, and to improve the safety and independence of mobility, in older adults across the care continuum. Dr. Komisar’s research has also been supported by postdoctoral awards from the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence in Technology and Aging, and from the MITACS Accelerate program.

Toward these efforts, she coordinated an international study that informed the development of a new CSA standard (Z-325) for hip protectors (emphasizing biomechanical testing methods and labelling requirements), which will bring much-needed guidance to consumers and manufacturers when designing and selecting hip protectors for preventing hip fractures.

Dr. Komisar’s MSFHR project aims to develop an evidence-based exercise program for improving the ability of older adults to avoid head injuries should they fall, in collaboration with physiotherapists. Toward these efforts, she is identifying physical factors that separate falls that result in head impact, versus those where head impact is avoided, through video analysis of real-life falls in long-term care.

For an up-to-date list of publications by Dr. Komisar, please see ResearchGate.