Graduate Studies in Occupational Safety

The Biomechanics Laboratory
Shelby 3325

A new Vicon Motion Capture System will be available soon. see the instruction video first!

Peak Performance Motion Measurement System

Used for biomechanical analysis, the Peak Motus © is a video-based system designed to capture human motion patterns (through 2-D and 3-D coordinates) and relay this information to software which can calculate kinematic and kinetic data. The OSE/IP laboratory uses the system to perform biomechanical analysis that relate specific body movements to physical stresses imposed on the human musculoskeletal system during the movement.

Currently the Biomechanics Laboratory is under construction where the Peak Performance Motion Measurement System is being combined with two force plate systems to study confined space issues with patient handling. Here are some in progress pictures with more to follow in the future.

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Lumbar Motion Monitor
The Lumbar Motion Monitor ^TM(LMM) is an exoskeleton of the spine that measures and records the position, velocity and acceleration of the spine in the sagittal, lateral, and twisting planes during various physical activities.

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The Biomechanics Laboratory uses the LMM to gather information about which spinal movements increase the risk of back injury while performing various occupational tasks.

Balance Master System
The BASIC Balance Master ® is a portable balance evaluation system that assess functional limitations in balance control under various conditions.

The Biomechanics Laboratory uses the Balance Master to study occupational accidents including falls from an elevation. These types of accidents are prevalent in the U.S. construction industry (e.g. roofing tasks).

Electromyography (EMG) Data Acquisition System
	This data acquisition system amplifies, filters and records bioelectrical signals associated with nerve and muscle activity, i.e., electromyography (EMG). The Biomechanics Laboratory uses the system to evaluate muscle utilization in various occupational activities. Results of the evaluation provide the research with information concerning: (1) what muscles are used to perform the activity, (2) the timing of muscle utilization during the activity, (3) the level of force generated by the muscles during the activity.

Foot Ground Reaction Force Plate Ground reaction force is an important external force which constantly affects the human motion. The force plate measures and records the changes in the ground reaction force (magnitude and direction of forces applied by the feet to the ground) experienced during actions such as stepping, jumping or lifting objects. The Biomechanics Laboratory uses the force plate to measure the physical forces generated during manual materials handling activities (i.e. pushing, pulling, lifting, and lowering) found in occupational settings. The device is also used in conjunction with the Basic Balance Master for occupational fall research.


	Spinal Curvature Measurement Device The Spinal Curvature Measurement Device (SCMD) is used to record anthropometrical data concerning the contours of the human spine in the sagittal plane. The Biomechanics Laboratory uses the SCMD to study the effects of physically demanding work on changes in human spinal morphology for various types of workers.

Click on the links below to learn more about our different lab capabilities, equipment and locations.

» OS&E Library » Human Factors Lab » Biomechanics Lab