Research Interests
Dr. Yih-Kuen Jan, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He earned his PhD in Rehabilitation Science and Technology from the University of Pittsburgh, where he also completed his postdoctoral training. Dr. Jan’s research focuses on soft tissue biomechanics and its applications in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and wound healing. His research interests also include assistive technology for improving mobility and quality of life of individuals with disabilities and older adults. His research has been supported by NIH, NIDILRR and disability foundations. Dr. Jan currently supervises 7 PhD students. He serves as the Assistant Editor-in-Chief of Assistive Technology and as an Associate Editor of the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation. Dr. Jan received NIDILRR Mary E Switzer Fellowship award and RESNA Distinguished Service Award. He previously served on the Board of Councilors of the World Association for Chinese Biomedical Engineers (WACBE). Dr. Jan has authored more than 190 peer-reviewed journal articles and is listed on the Stanford/Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists in Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation (single year, 2025).
Education
Rehabilitation Science and Technology, Postdoc, University of of Pittsburgh
Rehabilitation Science and Technology, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Biomedical Engineering, MS, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Physical Therapy, BS, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Additional Campus Affiliations
Associate Professor, Health and Kinesiology
Associate Professor, Neuroscience Program
Associate Professor, Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies
Highlighted Publications
Jan, Y.-K., Hou, X., He, X., Guo, C., Jain, S., & Bleakney, A. (2021). Using elastographic ultrasound to assess the effect of cupping size of cupping therapy on stiffness of triceps muscle. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 100(7), 694-699. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000001625
Jan, Y.-K., Kelhofer, N., Tu, T., Mansuri, O., Onyemere, K., Dave, S., & Pappu, S. (2024). Diagnosis, Pathophysiology and Management of Microvascular Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus. Diagnostics, 14(24), Article 2830. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14242830
Luu, T., Nguyen, V. L., & Jan, Y. K. (2026). Data-driven velocity control for over-ground body weight support in gait rehabilitation. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 181, Article 115723. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2026.115723
Lin, C. W., Jun, I. B., Igbo, V., Babaniamansour, A., Meng, L., Lin, C. F., & Jan, Y. K. (2026). The Optimal Dosage of Isometric Handgrip Exercise for Blood Pressure Reduction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 28(4), Article e70246. https://doi.org/10.1111/jch.70246
Liu, J., Gopal, V., Ellis, B., Ray, I., Pappu, S., & Jan, Y. K. (2026). Effects of Near Infrared Light on Surgical Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Wound Journal, 23(2), Article e70841. https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.70841
Recent Publications
Chang, C. C., Lung, C. W., Jan, Y. K., Lu, Q. Q., Wang, Y. Y., Chen, Y. S., & Liau, B. Y. (2026). Autoencoder-Enhanced Convolutional Neural Networks for Plantar Pressure–Based Gait Pattern Recognition: Model Development and Cross-Validated Evaluation Study. JMIR Formative Research, 10, Article e88488. https://doi.org/10.2196/88488
Cheng, C. K., Jan, Y. K., & Zhang, J. (2026). Editorial: Biomechanics in orthopaedic diseases and surgery, volume II. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 13, Article 1768760. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1768760
Dabirian, N., Samadi, M., Babaniamansour, A., Li, Y., Hernandez, M. E., & Jan, Y.-K. (2026). Time-Frequency, Complexity, and Fractal Analyses of Hemoglobin and Deoxyhemoglobin Responses to Quantify Mechanisms of Actions of Cupping Therapy. Entropy, 28(6), Article 597. https://doi.org/10.3390/e28060597
Guo, J., Huang, L., Yang, R., Meng, L., Bleakney, A., & Jan, Y.-K. (2026). Using elastographic ultrasound to quantify spatial stiffness changes in the muscle-tendon unit of the biceps brachii after concentric, isometric and eccentric contractions: an exploratory study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 48, 292-302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2026.06.021
Jan, Y. K., & Cheung, W. C. (2026). Muscle oxygenation regulation in physical therapy and rehabilitation. Medical Gas Research, 16(1), 66-75. https://doi.org/10.4103/mgr.MEDGASRES-D-24-00149