J. Lucas McKay

Georgia Institute of Technology, The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University

Papers

Total Citations

195

H-Index

About

J. Lucas McKay investigates the neural and mechanical principles underlying human balance and movement, with a focus on postural control, physical human-robot interaction, and motor learning. His work bridges nonlinear dynamics and rehabilitation engineering, offering insights into how the nervous system coordinates stability and adapts to physical collaboration. McKay’s most-cited paper, “Neuromechanical tuning of nonlinear postural control dynamics” (2009, 78 citations), reframes postural control as a flexible, tunable system, challenging traditional views of balance as a rigid feedback mechanism. In “Small forces that differ with prior motor experience can communicate movement goals during human-human physical interaction” (2017, 69 citations), he demonstrates how subtle haptic cues convey intent during cooperative tasks, informing rehabilitation strategies. His research on robotic dance partners, “Evaluation by Expert Dancers of a Robot That Performs Partnered Stepping via Haptic Interaction” (2015, 48 citations), explores how robots can assist balance training for populations like individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Collectively, McKay’s work has garnered over 200 citations, advancing both fundamental motor control theory and applied technologies for physical therapy and human-robot collaboration.