Biomechanics Lab
Undergraduate students, graduate students, and student interns work alongside world-class faculty in the biomechanics labs to conduct ongoing concussion, peripheral neuropathy and gait related research. There are two biomechanics labs housed in the newly renovated Kinesiology Research Laboratory with 1894 and 1451 square-feet spaces. The laboratories include instrumentation for the assessment of kinematics, kinetics, electromyography, postural stability and muscle performance. The laboratory is equipped with the following:
Kinematic data collection and analysis:
Two (14 and 8 camera) Vicon Motion Capture Systems; One Theia Markerless Motion Capture system, One Xsense IMU system; Three Digital Video Cameras; Dartfish Video Analysis Software
Force and strength measurements:
One AMTI force platform embedded treadmill; Ten AMTI Force platforms; Biodex System III Dynamometer
Muscular activity assessment:
Two (16 and 8 Channel) Delsys EMG System;
Gait analysis with pressure measuring equipment:
Two (24 and 9 ft) Gaitrite Instrumented Walkway; One Novel Pedar in-shoe pressure measuring system
Tracking devices:
Nine Sensor extended range electromagnetic tracking system; Minibird System
Balance evaluation:
Neurocom Balance System; Biodex Stability System; Airex Balance Pads
Nerve conduction studies:
Digitimer nervous stimulator
Many of these devices can be linked together for synchronized data collection. Here are a few examples:
- Kinematic and force measuring systems can be used to study concussion via inverse dynamics process;
- Strength and muscle activity can be assessed together in the study of people with cerebral palsy;
- Fall risks can be studied using inverse dynamics and muscle activity measurements together;
- Running injuries can be studied suing continuous;
- A stimulator can be used to study the effects of neuromuscular diseases on human movement control;
Graduate students have the opportunities to learn biomechanics and motor control related knowledge from the faculty by involved in different ongoing research projects: learning how design research projects, improving the ability to appreciate research literature, mastering research participants recruiting and management, study data collection and processing, and more. Many of the knowledge and skills learned here are valuable for both perusing continued education (doctoral degrees in various academic or applied fields) and job market preparation.
Research
Last updated: 6/13/2022