Roles and responsibilities
I am a Technical Advisor with Codes Canada, with expertise in biomechanics, physical ergonomics, injury prevention and inclusive design. Before joining Codes Canada in 2022, I was an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Health Technology with the School of Engineering at the University of British Columbia. I have over 10 years of experience in biomechanics and geriatrics research, with special focus on preventing falls and fall-related injuries and improving the safety and independence of common activities of daily living.
Current research and/or projects
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellowship – Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Canada (2018-2020)
- Doctor of Philosophy – Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada (2018)
- Master of Science – Biomedical Engineering (Neurotechnology Stream), Imperial College London, United Kingdom (2011)
- Bachelor of Applied Science – Engineering Science (Biomedical Engineering Option), University of Toronto, Canada (2009)
Awards
- NSERC Discovery Grant, 2022 (held at the University of British Columbia)
- Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Postdoctoral Award, 2019-2020
- AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence in Technology and Aging Postdoctoral Award, 2018-2020
- Best Oral Presentation, AGE-WELL NCE Annual National Conference, Vancouver, 2018
- Teaching Assistant Award of Excellence, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 2017
- Ontario Graduate Scholarships, 2014-2016
Inventions and patents
1) StandEasy Transfer Pole: a vertical pole that is cantilevered to the wall, and that people can grasp and use for support while transferring into and out of bed or between sitting and standing. It is intended as a mobility aid for persons with reduced balance and lower limb strength.
Corresponding patent: Hart, A. J., Fernie, G. R., Smyth, T. D., Komisar, V. P., King, E. C., & Sobchak, A. M. (2016). "Cantilevered Support System"; U.S. Patent No. 9,433,547.
2) MoveEasy Pole System: a modular system of vertical pressure-fit poles (that are wedged between the floor and ceiling) and clamp-on handrails that allow handrails to be installed without drilling into the walls, floor or ceiling. It is intended as a modifiable handrail system for people who expect their need for mobility support to change, such as persons who recently experienced a stroke or who have degenerative conditions such as Parkinson's Disease
Corresponding patents (covering the piece that connects handrails to the poles, and allows for easy removal of the rails:
Hart, A. J., Fernie, G. R., Smyth, T. D., Komisar, V. P., King, E. C., & Murray, P. G. (2017). "Connector Apparatus"; U.S. Patent No. 9,637,931.
Hart, A. J., Fernie, G. R., Smyth, T. D., Komisar, V. P., King, E. C., & Murray, P. G. (2019). "Conector Apparatus"; U.S. Patent No. 10,407,915.
Key publications
Please see my Google Scholar profile for an up-to-date list: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=ZdgVR0wAAAAJ&hl=en
- Komisar V, Dojnov A, Yang Y, Shishov N, Chong H, Yu Y, Bercovitz I, Cusimano MD, Becker C, Mackey DC, Robinovitch SN. Injuries from falls by older adults in long-term care captured on video: Prevalence of impacts and injuries to body parts. BMC geriatrics. 2022 Apr 19;22(1):343.
- Komisar V, Robinovitch SN. The role of fall biomechanics in the cause and prevention of bone fractures in older adults. Current osteoporosis reports. 2021 Aug;19:381-90.
- Komisar V, Shishov N, Yang Y, Robinovitch SN. Effect of holding objects on the occurrence of head impact in falls by older adults: Evidence from real-life falls in long-term care. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. 2021 Aug;76(8):1463-70.
- Komisar V, Nirmalanathan K, Novak AC. Influence of handrail height and fall direction on center of mass control and the physical demands of reach-to-grasp balance recovery reactions. Gait & Posture. 2018 Feb 1;60:209-16.
- Novak AC, Komisar V, Maki BE, Fernie GR. Age-related differences in dynamic balance control during stair descent and effect of varying step geometry. Applied ergonomics. 2016 Jan 1;52:275-84.
Previous work experience
- Assistant Professor – Mechanical Engineering and Digital Health Technology, School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Canada (2021-2022)
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Simon Fraser University, Canada (2018 –2020)
- Graduate Research Assistant, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Canada (2011-2018)
- Teaching Assistant, University of Toronto, Canada (2012-2017)
