Applied Biomechanics & Human Performance Laboratories

News from the Labs!

Lindsey Ulring (Exercise Science Graduate Student) and Dr. Derek Dewig (Exercise Science Faculty) presented their abstracts at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting this past May!   

• Ulring LR, Dewig DR. Association Between Jump Height And Lower Extremity Flexibility In Collegiate Volleyball Players.
• Dewig DR, Efaw AE, Ulring LR, Blackburn JT. Between-limb Differences In Dynamic Postural Stability In Individuals With ACL Reconstruction Utilizing Various Processing Techniques.

Equipment

The Applied Biomechanics Lab (ABL) is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to facilitate the objective evaluation of human movement. The MotionMonitor xGEN synchronizes 8 Vicon Vero motion capture cameras with two tri-axial Bertec forceplates, permitting the assessment of kinetic and kinematic outcomes. This system can also be synchronized with a 6-channel wireless EMG BIOPAC MP200 system to record muscle electrical activation simultaneously. 

Twenty Movella Dot Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) enable biomechanical data to be collected and recorded outside of the physical lab space, while timing gates are utilized to evaluate gait speed. Two high-end gaming laptops and two iPad Pros are available to record and process biomechanical data. The ABL equipment is utilized within the Exercise Science undergraduate and graduate programs to facilitate course learning outcomes, support student research projects and conduct translational biomechanical research.

Equipment

The Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) contains various equipment to evaluate and observe phenomenon related to exercise physiology and human performance. Four Monark exercise bikes and two Woodway treadmills allow for the administration of various tests to evaluate both anaerobic and aerobic measures of physical fitness. A metabolic cart facilitates metabolic testing during exercise, particularly utilized to evaluate measures of VO2 during maximum and sub-maximum conditions. Free weights and a dedicated squat rack permit students to design research studies pertaining to resistance training and serve to demonstrate proper lifting technique within exercise science courses. 

A Just Jump System and Vertec allow for easy assessment of vertical jump height and subsequent power. Additionally, a 6-channel wireless EMG BIOPAC MP200 system and three 4-channel BIOPAC MP35 systems can be utilized to evaluate underlying neuromuscular function during muscle contraction. An InBody 570 lets students and faculty objectively and rapidly assess measures of body composition. Moreover, the HPL houses common physiological devices that exercise science students learn and practice proper administration of including, but not limited to: blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, skin calipers, pulse oximeters, handheld bioelectrical impedance, amongst others. This laboratory also contains 16 seats and four shared tables which serves as a flexible class meeting space.