Brian Horsak is lecturer and senior researcher at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences in the Departments of Physiotherapy and Digital Healthcare. He is especially interested in clinical and sports biomechanics as well as in interdisciplinary approaches between therapy and technology. In particular, his research is dedicated to musculoskeletal loading of the lower extremities during locomotion and rehabilitative tasks, and in assistive technologies which can support patients and therapist during rehabilitation. Primary goal of his work is to contribute with scientific knowledge and prototype developments to the fields of clinical gait analysis, therapy and sports.  He has valuable experience in project leadership from several larger research projects and from smaller research projects with project teams between academic institutions and industry.

Projects

• Childrensknees
• Gaitscore
• Intelligait
• Sonigait

Publications

2020

• Schwab, C., Durstberger, S., Kranzl, A., & Horsak, B. (2020). Die Anwendung von 3D-Freihand-Ultraschall für die digitale Rekonstruktion von anatomischen Strukturen in der 3D Ganganalyse: erste Ergebnisse eines laufenden Projekts. Abstractband Des 3. GAMMA Kongress. 3. GAMMA Kongress, München, Deutschland.
• Horsak, B., Dumphart, B., Slijepcevic, D., & Zeppelzauer, M. (2020). Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) und ihre Anwendung auf Klassifikationsprobleme in der Ganganalyse. Abstractband Des 3. GAMMA Kongress. 3. GAMMA Kongress, München, Deutschland.
• Horsak, B., Schwab, C., Leboeuf, F., & Kranzl, A. (2020). Reliability of walking and stair climbing kinematics in a young obese population using a standard kinematic and the CGM2 model. Gait & Posture, 83(96–99). https://doi.org/10/gnt2tj

2018

• Horsak, B., Pobatschnig, B., Schwab, C., Baca, A., Kranzl, A., & Kainz, H. (2018). Reliability of joint kinematic calculations based on direct kinematic and inverse kinematic models in obese children. Gait & Posture, 66(201–207). https://doi.org/10/gf4v7g
• Slijepcevic, D., Zeppelzauer, M., Schwab, C., Raberger, A.-M., Dumphart, B., Baca, A., … Horsak, B. (2018). P 011—Towards an optimal combination of input signals and derived representations for gait classification based on ground reaction force measurements. Gait & Posture, 65, 249–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.06.155
• Slijepcevic, D., Zeppelzauer, M., Schwab, C., Raberger, A.-M., Dumphart, B., Baca, A., … Horsak, B. (2018). Towards an optimal combination of input signals and derived representations for gait classification based on ground reaction force measurements. Gait & Posture, 65, 249–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.06.155
• Slijepcevic, D., Zeppelzauer, M., Schwab, C., Raberger, A.-M., Dumphart, B., Baca, A., … Horsak, B. (2018). Towards an optimal combination of input signals and derived representations for gait classification based on ground reaction force measurements. In Gait & Posture Supplement (Vol. 65). Prague, Czech Republic. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.06.155
• Horsak, B., Schwab, C., Clemens, C., Baca, A., Greber-Platzer, S., Kreissl, A., & Kranzl, A. (2018). Is the reliability of 3D kinematics of young obese participants dependent on the hip joint center localization method used? Gait & Posture, 59, 65–70. https://doi.org/10/gh38bh
• Slijepcevic, D., Zeppelzauer, M., Raberger, A.-M., Schwab, C., Schuller, M., Baca, A., … Horsak, B. (2018). Automatic Classification of Functional Gait Disorders. IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, 5(22), 1653–1661. https://doi.org/10.1109/JBHI.2017.2785682
• Schwab, C., Slijepcevic, D., Zeppelzauer, M., Raberger, A.-M., Dumphart, B., Baca, A., … Horsak, B. (2018). IntelliGait: Automatische Gangmusteranalyse für die robuste Erkennung von Gangstörungen. In Tagungsband des  2ten GAMMA Kongress (Gesellschaft für die Analyse Menschlicher Motorik in ihrer klinischen Anwendung). Hamburg, Deutschland.
• Wagner, M., Slijepcevic, D., Horsak, B., Rind, A., Zeppelzauer, M., & Aigner, W. (2018). KAVAGait: Knowledge-Assisted Visual Analytics for Clinical Gait Analysis. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics (TVCG), 25(3), 1528–1542. https://doi.org/10.1109/TVCG.2017.2785271

2017

• Horsak, B., Pobatschnig, B., Baca, A., Greber-Platzer, S., Kreissl, A., Nehrer, S., Wondrasch, B., Crevenna, R., Keilani, M., & Kranzl, A. (2017). Within-assessor reliability and minimal detectable change of gait kinematics in a young obese demographic. Gait & Posture, 54. https://doi.org/10/gh38bc
• Clemens, C., Schwab, C., Kranzl, A., Wondrasch, B., Baca, A., Greber-Platzer, S., Crevenna, R., Kreissl, A., Keilani, M., & Horsak, B. (2017). Hip joint center estimation methods do not affect test-retest reliability of kinematic measurements in young obese participants [Poster]. 10th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Biomechanics (DGfB), Hannover, Germany.
• Horsak, B., Wunsch, R., Bernhart, P., Gorgas, A.-M., Bichler, R., & Lampel, K. (2017). Trunk muscle activation levels during eight stabilization exercises used in the functional kinetics concept: A controlled laboratory study. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 30(3), 497–508. https://doi.org/10/gh38bd
• Horsak, B., Kiener, M., Pötzelsberger, A., & Siragy, T. (2017). Serratus anterior and trapezius muscle activity during knee push-up plus and knee-plus exercises performed on a stable, an unstable surface and during sling-suspension. Physical Therapy in Sport, 0(26), 86–92. https://doi.org/10/gh38bf
• Slijepcevic, D., Horsak, B., Schwab, C., Raberger, A.-M., Schüller, M., Baca, A., Breitender, C., & Zeppelzauer, M. (2017). Ground reaction force measurements for gait classification tasks: Effects of different PCA-based representations. Gait & Posture Supplement, 57, 4–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017
• Wagner, M., Slijepcevic, D., Horsak, B., Rind, A., Zeppelzauer, M., & Wolfgang Aigner. (2017). KAVAGait: Knowledge-Assisted Visual Analytics for Clinical Gait Analysis. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics. Retrieved from https://arxiv.org/pdf/1707.06105

2016

• Siragy, T., Doppler, J., Gorgas, A.-M., Dlapka, R., Iber, M., Kiselka, A., Gradl, C., & Horsak, B. (2016). Framework for Real-time Auditory Display of Plantar Pressure during Walking. Tagungsband Des 10. Forschungsforum Der Österreichischen Fachhochschulen. 10. Forschungsforum der Österreichischen Fachhochschulen, Wien, Österreich.
• Horsak, B., Dlapka, R., Iber, M., Gorgas, A.-M., Kiselka, A., Gradl, C., … Doppler, J. (2016). SONIGait: a wireless instrumented insole device for real-time sonification of gait. Journal on Multimodal User Interfaces, 10(3), 195–206. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12193-016-0216-9
• Horsak, B., Pobatschnig, B., Artner, D., Kranzl, A., Baca, A., Greber-Platzer, S., Kreissl, A., Crevenna, R., Keilani, M., & Wondrasch, B. (2016). Intra-tester reliability of three-dimensional kinematics in obese children and adolescents. Gait & Posture, 49, 99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.07.155
• Fischer, T., Kiselka, A., Dlapka, R., Doppler, J., Iber, M., Gradl, C., Gorgas, A.-M., Siragy, T., & Horsak, B. (2016). An Auditory Feedback System in Use with People Aged +50 Years: Compliance and Modifications in Gait Pattern. In J. Ibáñez, J. González-Vargas, J. M. Azorín, M. Akay, & J. L. Pons (Eds.), Converging Clinical and Engineering Research on Neurorehabilitation II (pp. 881–885). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10/gnt2tg
• Gorgas, A.-M., Schön, L., Dlapka, R., Doppler, J., Iber, M., Gradl, C., Kiselka, A., Siragy, T., & Horsak, B. (2016). Short-Term Effects of Real-Time Auditory Display (Sonification) on Gait Parameters in People with Parkinsons’ Disease—A Pilot Study. In J. Ibáñez, J. González-Vargas, J. M. Azorín, M. Akay, & J. L. Pons (Eds.), Converging Clinical and Engineering Research on Neurorehabilitation II (pp. 855–859). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10/gnt2th

2015

• Horsak, B., Heller, M., & Baca, A. (2015). Muscle co-contraction around the knee when walking with unstable shoes. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology: Official Journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology, 25, 175–181. https://doi.org/10/f6xvzs
• Artner, D., Wondrasch, B., Baca, A., Pobatschnig, B., Greber-Platzer, S., Nehrer, S., & Horsak, B. (2015). Trial Protokoll: Biomechanische Belastungsanalyse der Kniegelenke bei Alltagsbewegungen von adipösen Kindern und Jugendlichen: eine randomisiert kontrollierte Studie. In Konferenzband - 22. Sportwissenschaftliche Hochschultag der Deutschen Vereinigung für Sportwissenschaft (dvs). Mainz, Deutschland: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
• Horsak, B., Iber, M., Bauer, K., Kiselka, A., Gorgas, A.-M., Dlapka, R., & Doppler, J. (2015). A wireless instrumented insole device for real-time sonification of gait. Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Auditory Display, 94–101.
• Lampel, K., Horsak, B., Brauneis, W., & Doppler, J. (2015). Development of an educational software for observational gait analysis in physical therapy. International Neurology and Rehabilitation Meeting - Abstract Book. INeReM - International Neurology and Rehabilitation Meeting, Istanbul, Turkey.
• Horsak, B., Artner, D., Baca, A., Pobatschnig, B., Greber-Platzer, S., Nehrer, S., & Wondrasch, B. (2015). The effects of a strength and neuromuscular exercise programme for the lower extremity on knee load, pain and function in obese children and adolescents: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 16, 586. https://doi.org/10/ghf82d
• Iber, M., Horsak, B., Bauer, K., Kiselka, A., Gorgas, A.-M., Dlapka, R., & Doppler, J. (2015). Pilotstudie zur sonifikationsgestützten Ganganalyse. Forum Medientechnik - Next Generation, New Ideas, 51–68.
• Kiselka, A., Gorgas, A.-M., Bauer, K., Dlapka, R., Gusenbauer, M., Doppler, J., & Horsak, B. (2015). Demands on a mobile auditory feedback system for gait rehabilitation. Tagungsband Des 9. Forschungsforum Der Österreichischen Fachhochschulen. 9. Forschungsforum der Österreichischen Fachhochschulen, Hagenberg, Österreich.

2014

• Horsak, B., Heller, M., & Baca, A. (2014). Muscle Co-contraction Around the Knee is Increased When Walking With an Unstable Shoe Construction. Book of Proceedings of the XX Congress of the International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology. XX Congress of the International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology, Rome, Italy.
• Lampel, K., Horsak, B., Brauneis, W., & Doppler, J. (2014). Konzeption und Entwicklung einer Lernsoftware für die beobachtende Ganganalyse in der Physiotherapie. Physio Congress. Physio Congress, Bern, Schweiz.
• Horsak, B., Hochhauser, M., Bruckner, J., Brauneis, W., Wondrasch, B., & Figl-Hertlein, A. (2014). Lower Extremity Muscle Activity during Squatting with Unstable Shoes. Journal of Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine, 1(3), 3–16. http://www.pgip.co.uk/jopsm/archive/jopsm-june-2014-volume-3-issue-1.
• Kiselka, A., Gradinger, M., Thaller, C., & Horsak, B. (2014). Effekt eines 6-wöchigen AIREX Balance Pad® Trainings auf das statische und das dynamische Gleichgewicht. Tagungsband Des 8. Forschungsforum Der Österreichischen Fachhochschulen. 8. Forschungsforum der Österreichischen Fachhochschulen, Kufstein.
• Figl-Hertlein, A., Horsak, B., Dean, E., Schöny, W., & Stamm, T. (2014). A physiotherapy-directed occupational health programme for Austrian school teachers: a cluster randomised pilot study. Physiotherapy, 100(1), 20–26. https://doi.org/10/f5qn8f
• Bauer, K., Kiselka, A., Dlapka, R., Gorgas, A.-M., Gusenbauer, M., Horsak, B., & Doppler, J. (2014). Towards an insole sensor platform for auditory feedback applications in gait rehabilitation. In M. Seidl & G. Schmiedl (Eds.), Forum Medientechnik - Next Generation, New Ideas: Beiträge der Tagung 2014 an der Fachhochschule St. Pölten. Huelsbusch, W.

2013

• Horsak, B. (2013). Unstable Shoe Construction Changes Lower Extremity Muscle Activation During Three Different Squat Exercises. Proceedings 19th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics. 19th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics, Patras, Greece.
• Horsak, B., Doppler, J., & Gorgas, A.-M. (2013). A mobile music concept using rhythm and beat as feedback – Possible applications in rehabilitation. Abstractbook - 4th Medi International Prosthetics Symposium. 4th medi International Prosthetics Symposium, Mallorca, Spain.
• Horsak, B., & Baca, A. (2013). Effects of toning shoes on lower extremity gait biomechanics. Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 28(3), 344–349. https://doi.org/10/f42sg3

2012

• Dlapka, R., Doppler, J., & Horsak, B. (2012). GAITCam – Entwicklung einer automatisierten Kamera- Bewegungssteuerung zur bildbasierten Ganganalyse. Proceedings of 5. Forum Medientechnik. 5. Forum Medientechnik.
• Ogris, G., Leser, R., Horsak, B., Kornfeind, P., Heller, M., & Baca, A. (2012). Accuracy of the LPM tracking system considering dynamic position changes. Journal of Sports Sciences, 1–9. https://doi.org/10/gh378r
• Horsak, B., & Baca, A. (2012). Changes in EMG and gait characteristics when walking with the Reebok Easy Tone unstable shoe construction. Book of Abstracts of the 17th Congress of the European College of Sport Science. 17th Congress of the European College of Sport Science, Bruges, Belgium.
• Horsak, B., & Baca, A. (2012). Effects of an unstable shoe construction on EMG and lower and upper extremity gait biomechanics. Proceedings of the 18th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics. 18th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics, Lisboa, Portugal. https://doi.org/10/gh378h

2011

• Horsak, B., Doppler, J., Figl-Hertlein, A., Rubisch, J., Ambichl, B., Husinsky, M., & Raffaseder, H. (2011). Ein musikalischer Ansatz zur Unterstützung des Lauftrainings in der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention. Tagungsband Des 5. Forschungsforum Der Österreichischen Fachhochschulen. 5. Forschungsforum der österreichischen Fachhochschulen, Wien, Austria.
• Horsak, B., & Heller, M. (2011). A three-dimensional analysis of finger and bow string movements during the release in archery. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 27(2), 151–160. https://doi.org/10/gh378s

2010

• Rubisch, J., Horsak, B., Husinsky, M., Ambichl, B., Doppler, J., Figl, A., & Raffaseder, H. (2010). A mobile music concept as support for achieving target heart rate in preventive and recreational endurance training. Proceedings of the Audio Mostly Conference. Audio Mostly 2010, Pitea, Sweden. https://doi.org/10/ff2kz5
• Horsak, B., Heller, M., & Reuter, C. (2010). Ein akustischer Ansatz zur Bestimmung der Durchführungsqualität von Bogenschüssen. Fortschritte Der Akustik, 487–488.
• Fichtinger, N., Horsak, B., & Auer, S. (2010). Auswirkung eines 18-monatigen körperlichen Aktivierungsprogrammes mit kognitiv beeinträchtigten Personen in einem Pflegeheim. Tagungsband Des 4. Forschungsforum Der Österreichischen Fachhochschulen, 429–430.