Dancing with Science

Anthony Milian, class of 2022

BY DREW MOSER

“Research a question that keeps you up at night.”

That was the phrase Anthony Milian (MVS MS, ‘22) kept hearing over and over from Dr. Rebecca Hasson, associate professor of Movement Science, during his KINESLGY 615, “Philosophy of Science and Research in Kinesiology,” class.

Milian’s original plan was to use his MVS degree to research dance science and biomechanics. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Ohio State University and is currently taking ballet courses through the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. He said the athleticism and the rigor in preparing for a dance performance is what inspires him.

However, as Milian continued with his Movement Science coursework and research, the idea of improving a dancer’s performance and helping them become an even better athlete seemed too niche.

“I thought, well, as a dancer, I have a lot of experience with somatic practices, muscular engagement, and integration and activation of the pelvic floor, so now what,” he said.

Anthony Milian. Courtesy photo.

So, after a conversation with one of his fellow researchers about pregnancy, Milian did what Hasson suggested and began researching the question that kept him up at night: how does pregnancy create movement issues? He discovered that very little research had been done around pregnancy-related biomechanics and exercise physiology. Understanding the etiology and pathology of pregnancy-related back pain was also still quite unclear.

Milian said there are factors beyond carrying a growing fetus that may impact a pregnant person’s lower-back pain. They can be hormonal, such as the production of relaxin, which stretches ligaments and joints, or biomechanical, such as a person’s gait or pelvic measurement asymmetries. This discovery pushed him to help pregnant patients find new pain interventions. “I found that type of passion when taking this group of women going through pregnancy and trying to improve their quality of life rather than looking at a dancer who already has a wonderful quality of life,” Milian said. “It feels much more inspiring and encouraging. If I’m going to take the time to get a master’s degree or PhD and spend this time researching in school, I want to feel like I’m making a big difference in the world.”

While his long-term goal is to study pregnancy movement, Milian’s research at the School of Kinesiology has focused on data-driven approaches to gait analysis through the Michigan Performance Research Laboratory (MiPR), led by Dr. Adam Lepley, clinical associate professor of Applied Exercise Science, Athletic Training, and Movement Science.

Milian wrote the article “A Data-Driven Approach to Running Gait Assessment Using IMUs” (currently submitted for publication), which provides an overview of how gait analysis data helps U-M track and field athletes improve performance and prevent injury. After performing gait assessments on athletes, the team reviews the data for any significant asymmetries before sending a report over to the clinical care team. The significant asymmetries are flagged for the clinical team to monitor during training, Milian said. “Injuries can be caused by compensation for some type of muscular weakness or abnormality, so having this information from a data-driven approach helps make the athlete and clinical team aware of any potential issues,” he explained. This information allows for care teams to begin implementing different training strategies to minimize injury. Milian also sees the benefit for athletes. “There is just something super imperative about awareness in general,” he said. “For example, if you’re walking and your right foot constantly rotates inward, that could feel normal to you and feel like both of your feet are pointing straight. You could go your entire life thinking you are walking normally, but if you’re aware of the asymmetry, you can physically work to correct it and reprogram your neurology to minimize further injury risk.”

Coming to U-M for graduate school was nervewracking and intimidating for Milian. However, he found his footing thanks to the Kinesiology Bridge Program, which connects and engages students from underserved populations, and support from Dr. Ketra Armstrong, who was then the associate dean of graduate student affairs. He credits the Bridge Program for bringing the university down to a level that was approachable for him. Milian was also a Rackham Merit Fellow, a Kinesiology Student Government (KSG) graduate student representative, and a member of the Kinesiology Diversity & Inclusion Network (KDIN). If you’re aware of the [gait] asymmetry, Not only has Milian discovered his passion, but he also now feels like a you can physically jack-of-all-trades because of how well work to correct the Movement Science program has it and reprogram your neurology to prepared him in the areas of physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and data collection and review. minimize further injury risk.” —Anthony Milian He praised the MVS program for preparing students for anything and allowing them to cultivate a path of their choosing. He added that the professors are willing to mentor students, no matter which direction they want to go. “I never thought I would sit in a room with a biochemistry major from London or an anthropology major from California and not only understand the same general concepts of Movement Science, but also be prepared to take on such a diverse and different path immediately after graduation,” Milian said. For now, Milian’s advanced studies will wait. He has accepted a contract to dance and perform full-time with Northwest Dance Project in Portland, Oregon, for the next year. He will also tour Germany as part of the performance schedule. “I know that education is always going to be prevalent in society. I think that while I have the opportunity I should go to Portland, use what I’ve learned in my Movement Science classes, and take advantage of the professional dancing while I can,” Milian explained. “A PhD I can pursue later on in life. Yes, it does become a little more difficult, but if the goal is still becoming a professor, I can still reach that in the end.” n

Milian was working with Hubbard Street Dance in Chicago before the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on performances. He took the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at U-M because he wanted to learn how to research movement in a more scientific, quantitative way.

“I specialized in Kinesiology [at Ohio State], but I learned about researching movement from a qualitative, artistic perspective,” he said. “With [my U-M] education, I can dive into proper research to educate others about what is most helpful in a dance setting as well. Additionally, having a higher level of applicable body knowledge increases the longevity of my career.”