Biomechanics is the study of the human body and how it moves in mechanical terms.
In our Biomechanics laboratory, students, and researchers explore how exercise can help us understand how our bodies work – from what the limits of human endurance are, to how they're affected by chronic health conditions. In the area of Sport Science, the lab is also used to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
Based within the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, research conducted in the laboratory has been funded by high-profile organisations, including the Olympic Studies Centre, the UK Fire and Rescue Service, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Premier League.
The Biomechanics Lab is used extensively by our Research Group in Breast Health.
Contact the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science
Equipment
The Biomechanics laboratory opens into a sports hall, allowing sufficient space to collect data on a wide range of sporting activities.
Equipment and facilities include:
- A 16-camera Oqus automated tracking system incorporating 3 high speed (1000 Hz, full resolution) cameras (Qualysis, Sweden)
- Two Kistler 9281C force plates that can be mounted in different configurations in the laboratory, with additional floor mountings in the sports hall and dance studio
- Tekscan portable pressure plates and software
- An 8-channel online or 8-channel wireless Electromyography (EMG) system for measuring the electrical activity in response to a nerve's stimulation of the muscle
- Timing gates and Optojump system
- iPads and iSense handheld 3D scanner
- Goniometers, or sensors, designed to measure angular limb movement
- Force transducers and accelerometers (1000 Hz), which measure acceleration forces
- Visual 3D and MatLab software, used to analyse motion, force and EMG data (for estimating joint moments and creating musculoskeletal models)
Courses
Courses using this facility include Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons), Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc (Hons) and Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc. For a more extensive list, please use our course search.