Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa (2007)
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa (2000)
B.S. in Biochemistry, Nanjing University, China (1991)
Research Interests
Musculoskeletal diseases associated with vibration exposure
Human performance in response to vibration exposure
Human physical capability modeling such as strength and endurance
Low back pain prevention and rehabilitation
Professional Associations and Honors
Top 30 Poster Abstracts - “Poster Lightning Round” presentation at ASME/FDA First Annual Frontiers in Medical Devices: Applications of Computer Modeling and Simulation, Washington, DC. September 11-13, 2013
ACCRAC Award Winning Paper, Association of Chiropractic Colleges - Research Agenda Conference, Las Vegas, NV, 2012
Popular choice, the 35th American Society of Biomechanics annual conference, Long Beach, CA, 2011
Prometheus Award for Top Government Technology of the Year (Group Award for Virtual Soldier Research Program, University of Iowa), The Technology Association of Iowa, Des Moines, IA, 2007
Member of American Society of Biomechanics, 2008-present
Professional Services
Member of editorial board: Journal of Pain Research
Guest editor, International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2015
Session Co-Chair (Spine), The 36th American Society of Biomechanics annual meeting, Gainesville, FL, August 15-18, 2012
Reviewer (selected): Clinical Biomechanics, Ergonomics, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Journal of Biomechanics, Journal of Pain Research, PLOS One.
Selected Publications
Book Chapters
Frey-Law L, Xia T, Laake A: Modeling Human Physical Capability: Joint Strength and Range of Motion. In Handbook of Digital Human Modeling: Research for Applied Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering. Duffy V, Editor. Taylor & Francis Group/CRC Press, 2008
Peer Reviewed Articles
Bazrgari B and Xia T (2017). Application of advanced biomechanical methods in studying low back pain – recent development in estimation of lower back loads and large-array surface electromyography and findings. Journal of Pain Research. 10: 1677-1685
Xia T, Long CR, Vining RD, Gudavalli MR, DeVocht JW, Kawchuk GN, Wilder DG, Goertz CM (2017). Association of lumbar spine stiffness and flexion-relaxation phenomenon with patient-reported outcomes in adults with chronic low back pain – a single-arm clinical trial investigating the effects of thrust spinal manipulation. BMC – Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 17:303
Xia T, Long CR, Gudavalli MR, Wilder DG, Vining RD, Rowell RM, Reed WR, DeVocht JW, Goertz CM, Owens EF, Meeker WC (2016). Similar effects of thrust and non-thrust spinal manipulation found in adults with subacute and chronic low back pain – a controlled trial with adaptive allocation. Spine. 41(12):E702-9.
Goertz CM, Xia T, Long CR, Vining RD, Pohlman KA, DeVocht JW, Gudavalli RM, Owens EF, Meeker WC, Wilder DG (2016): Effects of spinal manipulation on sensorimotor function in low back pain patients – a randomized controlled trial. Manual Therapy. 21(1):183–190
Xia T and Frey Law L (2015): Wrist joint torque-angle-velocity envelope evaluation and modeling. International Journal of Human factors modelling and simulation. 5(1):33-52.
Gudavalli R, DeVocht J, Tayh A, Xia T (2013): ACCRAC Award Winning Paper – Effect of sampling rates on the quantification of forces, durations, and rates of loading of simulated side posture high-velocity, low-amplitude lumbar spine manipulation. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 36(5):261-6
Frey Law LA, Lee JE, McMullen TR, Xia T (2010). Relationships between maximum holding time and ratings of pain and exertion differ for static and dynamic tasks. Applied Ergonomics. 42(1):9-15
Rahmatalla S, Smith R, Meusch J, Xia T, Marler T, Contratto M (2010). A Quasi-Static Discomfort Measure in Whole-Body Vibration. Industrial Health. 48(5):645-53
Xia T and Frey Law L (2008): A theoretical approach for modeling peripheral muscle fatigue and recovery. Journal of Biomechanics, 41(14):3046-3052.
Xia T, Ankrum J, Spratt K, Wilder D (2008): Seated human response to simple and complex impacts: Paraspinal muscle activity. International Journal Industrial Ergonomics, 38(9-10):767–774.
Rahmatalla S, Xia T, Contratto M, Kopp G, Wilder D, Frey-Law L, Ankrum J (2008): Three-dimensional Motion Capture Protocol for Seated Operators in Whole Body Vibration. International Journal Industrial Ergonomics, 38(5-6):425-433.
Work Experience
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Northern Illinois University (2018-present)
Assistant Professor, Palmer College of Chiropractic, (2009-2017)
Postdoctoral Researcher, Center for Computer-Aided Design, University of Iowa (2007-2009)