Human Movement Science Lab

A movement laboratory, the ‘Human Health and Performance Lab – Movement Science’ is located at the Department of Health, Education and Technology. The lab includes equipment for measurements of movement (kinematics), forces (kinetics) and muscle activity. The laboratory is used for research but also in teaching activities on biomechanics, motor control and motor learning, both at basic and advanced level.

Measurements and equipment in the motion lab

For the analysis of three-dimensional (3D) movements, the laboratory is equipped with a camera system from Qualisys AB. The camera system enables accurate wireless movement measurement by the cameras identifying small round markers, reflectors, which are attached to the body or the object to be examined.

A force plate (Kistler Inc) is sunk into the floor, which enables the measurement of forces during various activities and for examining balance control.

Wireless electromyographic (EMG) equipment (Noraxon Inc) is used to measure muscle activity. EMG measurements are made to study factors such as amplitude and coordination of muscle activity within and between muscles.

Synchronized measurements can be made of 3D motion, forces and muscle activity for in-depth biomechanical analyzes of various movements and motor skills.

What else can we measure in the motion lab?

Muscle strength

In the laboratory, there are several different types of force sensors to measure forces in the various muscles of the body. For example, a so-called dynamometer to measure forces both isometrically (statically) and in motion (dynamically) (Biodex Medical Systems Inc).

Mat for gait analysis

An electronic gait mat (CIR Inc. /GAITRite) containing thousands of tiny pressure sensors enables quick and easy gait analysis by imaging electronic footprints. The treadmill measures the temporal and spatial characteristics of the steps, i.e. properties such as e.g. walking speed and distance between steps.

Experiments to disrupt balance

Balance is crucial for our ability to move, not least among people of older age where falls, fall-related injuries and fall-related anxiety are major societal challenges. To investigate different mechanisms involved in human balance control, we have equipment to challenge (disturb) balance in different ways. For example, a platform that can be programmed to move with 6 degrees of freedom (3 rotational and 3 translational directions) during standing balance tests. Thereby we can design specific experiments to investigate the person's ability to both react to a disturbance (feedback) and to adapt to a predictable disturbance (feedforward) in order to maintain balance.

Ultrasound scanner for body tissue imaging

For visual imaging of body tissue, we have an ultrasound scanner (SonoSite Inc). Via the ultrasound scanner, we can visually analyze tissues such as muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, etc.

Mobile lab

We also have mobile wireless equipment for synchronized measurements of 3D movements, forces/pressures and muscle activity (Noraxon Inc). 3D movements are measured here with small inertial sensors (IMUs) that are mounted on the body. The measuring systems are connected directly to the computer, which can easily be brought out to various environments for measurements both indoors and outdoors.

Equipment for objective measurements and rehabilitation in clinic

An important part of our research involves the development of accurate, affordable and feasible methods for movement analysis and training in the clinic, and even at home, using new technologies. Among other things, technology from the gaming industry such as VR glasses for neck rehabilitation, balance plate for balance measurements and camera sensor for hand movement control. An important goal for us is to 'take the lab to the clinic' to enable more specific individualized rehabilitation in line with precision health. Here we collaborate with various companies and clinics in Norrbotten and other parts of Sweden.

Research projects on movement and movement control

The research projects that are ongoing at the movement laboratory focus mainly on: i) musculoskeletal disorders, and ii) balance control in older people.

Musculoskeletal disorders

Our research on pain conditions in muscles and joints involves, among other things, the development and evaluation of new methods for objective assessment and training of sensorimotor function, more specifically proprioception (the body's deep sense). Proprioception enables us to perceive where our body parts are, how they move and forces acting on them (without the aid of vision, i.e. without having to look at our body parts). It can therefore be considered our most important sense for learning and controlling body movements.

An important ongoing research project is the development and evaluation of VR glasses for assessment, monitoring and training for people with neck injuries. The project is run by PhD student Karin Forsberg and is carried out in collaboration with the Luleå-based medical technology company Curest AB, and clinics such as Hermelinen AB and Sunderby Hospital. Project funds have been received from Vinnova and LTU's future area PRECISE. We have also started to evaluate the method for other health conditions.

In collaboration with Lund University, the hand surgery clinic in Malmö and the orthopedic clinic at Lund University Hospital, we develop and evaluate new methods for examining and training hand movement control. In addition, we collaborate with world-leading researchers Gwen Jull and Julia Treleaven from Australia in various projects around sensorimotor control in neck and back pain.

Balance control in the aging population

In our research on people of older age, we examine balance control during specific tests and activities, but also the underlying sensorimotor functions that may be impaired, e.g., proprioception, muscle strength and reaction speed.

In ongoing projects run by PhD student Jimmy Falk, we examine the ability to balance during various experimental disturbances, such as when moving the surface. In addition, we investigate the importance of cognitive ability for balance control.

The research is partly carried out in interdisciplinary constellations together with the Robotics and Machine Learning groups and Psychology. Collaboration also takes place with Lund University regarding balance adaptations in virtual environments.

Other research

Some research is also carried out on movement analysis and the health situation among professional musicians. A professional group with very high demands on good movement control, but who are also exposed to pain conditions in muscles and joints. Here we collaborate with researchers at Umeå University and Region Gävleborg, and also collaboration with professor of Musical Performance Stefan Östersjö and colleagues at the School of Music in Piteå. Another group with high demands on good movement control are athletes. Here we study, e.g., fly casters.

Teaching and learning activities in the lab

Teaching in biomechanics, ergonomics, motor control and motor learning takes place at both basic and advanced level within the physiotherapy programme. The movement laboratory is used, among other things, for practical teaching in:

• Balance control and gait analysis
• Work and ergonomics
• Clinical methods for examination and training of sensorimotor control

In addition, several degree projects are completed each semester at basic and advanced level within the framework of the movement laboratory.

Interdisciplinary laboratory

Collaborations take place between different subjects and institutions at LTU, such as Physiotherapy, Psychology, Medical science, but also technical and performorming art subjects such as Robotic, Maschine Learning and Musical Performance. In addition, we have collaborations with business companies, clinics and universities nationally and internationally.

The movement laboratory Human Health and Performance Lab – Movement Science has been able to be built thanks to financial support from the Kempe foundations, the Swedish Research Council and Luleå University of Technology's Lab Fund.