Lab Facilities

The Biomechanics and Ergonomics Research Laboratory is well equipped with several state-of-the-art data capture and analysis systems. These research tools are described briefly as follows: 

Motion Capture Systems

The laboratory is equipped with a multi-camera Motus real-time Motion Capture System. This system consists of multi-camera videography stations which perform full-function motion analysis.

Motion capture of gait mechanics during turning on slippery surface.  (Photo by Dr. C. Lai for cover page of American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal; see article Chiou S, Bhattacharya A, and Succop P. “Evaluation of workers perceived sense of slip and effect of prior knowledge of slipperiness during task performance on slippery surfaces.” American Industrial Hygiene Journal 61(4):492-500, 2000. PMID: 10976678)

Static Postural Stability

The laboratory houses several static balance task stations that include a force platform with safety harness system.  The static postural stability system employs a piezoresistive force platform for measurement of ground reaction forces and moments. Softwares developed in the laboratory (copyrighted to University of Cincinnati) are used in calculating the center of pressure movement under the feet of the subject while performing tasks. The software allows advanced analyses and plotting of relevant parameters associated with postural imbalance.

Measuring postural stability with force platform while standing on a compliant (foam pad) surface. 

Dynamic Balance/Gait Testing

The laboratory includes a dynamic task station with a 7-meter walkway for gait analysis.  The Instrumented Timed Up and Go Test (iTUGT) is used to assess balance control during a dynamic task through the use of wireless, wearable sensors containing 3D accelerometers and 3D gyroscopes. Quantitative gait analysis of whole and segmental body movement is performed using our custom software.

Use of wearable sensors to quantitate body movement during iTUG test

Bone Shock Absorption (BSA) Testing for Early Detection of Bone Fragility

The non-invasive, Bone Shock Absorption (BSA) tool, recently developed by our group, measures the energy absorption or damping (ζ) ability of the combined bone and musculature.

A heel tap stimulates sensors used to measure damping in an osteoporosis patient.