His research is primarily focused on the biomechanics of gait and exercise- and sport-related movements associated with injury and performance. His most extensive work in this area involves the mechanisms contributing to lower extremity running injuries, and the development of intervention and rehabilitation programs for running injuries, especially for patellofemoral pain syndrome. Dierks has several publications and presentations on this work, which includes the investigation of running mechanics in both healthy and injured runners, and in the development of interventions involving muscle strengthening of the legs and core, dynamic alignment training, shoe wear, and anti-gravity treadmill training, to name a few. He is especially interested in how variability and fatigue are related to running injuries and performance.
Some of this research includes how chronic stroke influences walking gait mechanics and endurance, and how rehabilitation programs involving yoga-based exercise aid in recovery of gait.
Musculoskeletal health, Physical activity and wellness.
