Dr Aiqin Liu

Profile

I am a Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Sciences at the University of Leeds.  

I came to the UK to study for a PhD in artificial joint replacements at the University of Leeds in 2008. My PhD project was “Determination of the biological response to and cellular uptake mechanisms of nanometre-sized UHMWPE wear particles from total hip replacements”.

After successfully obtaining my PhD degree in 2012, I started work as a research fellow in the area of biomechanical and tribological experimental simulation of the natural knee. My current research interest includes biomechanics of rehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions and rehabilitation assistive technology.

In 2020, I was awarded the prestigious Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Fund (ISSF) Early Stage Researcher Fellowship to support my research in knee rehabilitation biomechanics.

I have a great interest in entrepreneurship and commercialisation of the medical device. In 2015, I received a Postgraduate Certificate with distinction in Innovation Management from the University of Leeds Business School, which established my knowledge in innovation management of the medical device. In 2021, I was awarded the Michael Beverley Innovation Fellowship from the University of Leeds.  

My current projects include developing a knee rehabilitation assistive device to monitor and support rehabilitation exercise for patients with knee osteoarthritis or knee injuries; and investigating the biomechanical mechanisms of rehabilitation therapies and developing evidence-based rehabilitation programs for early knee interventions.   

I am a chartered engineer (CEng) and a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Research interests

• Biomechanical and tribological simulation of natural knee joints and artificial joint replacement
• Preclinical testing of cartilage and meniscal repair interventions for early degenerative disease in the knee
• Biomechanics of knee rehabilitation
• Musculoskeletal device
• Rehabilitation exoskeleton and wearable sensor

• Multimodal Data-based Digital Intelligent Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment Research in the Training Environment

Qualifications

• BEng, MEng, PhD in Medical Engineering
• Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation Management

Professional memberships

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers
• Orthopaedic Research Society

Research groups and institutes

• Biomechanics
• Sport and Exercise Sciences