Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
University of Waterloo
$150,000.00
STABIL - a System to advance Technology and Assessment of Balance, Impact, and Loading
EF 2014-15
Résumé
The current proposal is a request for a robust mechanical perturbation system to provide precisely controlled dynamic stimuli to support a group of researchers with a shared focus on fundamental research linked to human stability, musculoskeletal loading, and mobility. The infrastructure, referred to as STABIL (System to advance Technology and Assessment of Balance, Impact and Loading), comprises three general elements including a dynamic perturbation platform driven by linear motors, a system of force plates mounted to the platform, and appropriate safety equipment. STABIL will afford unique and essential methods to advance the research programs of 13 NSERC-funded scientists in three complementary research themes. Under the theme of 'Balance and Mobility', STABIL will be critical for advancing fundamental understanding of neuromechanical control of whole body balance and mobility including a focus on robotics and modeling of bipedal movement. Regarding the theme of 'Impact and Loading Biomechanics', STABIL will support novel research that enhances our basic understanding of impact biomechanics and control of segment and joint stability in response to mechanical disturbances. Finally, STABIL will be an integral element of the 'Sensor and Assistive Technologies' theme which will develop and evaluate new sensors (wearable and fixed) and assistive technologies to assess/influence kinetics and kinematics of whole body movement. In addition to supporting world-class research, STABIL would afford novel training opportunities by supporting a research environment where HQP with engineering backgrounds work in concert with life sciences trainees within discipline-integrated teams. Collectively, the availability of this dynamic perturbation system, along with our currently available measurement technologies (EEG, EMG, eye-tracker, motion analysis), will support state-of-the-science research programs and provide unique training opportunities for all levels of HQP from different disciplines.
Programme
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Bénéficiaire
Emplacement
Ontario, Canada
Type de bénéficiaire
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
Tel que publié
Application id
472490-2015
Name nom
Laing, Andrew
Department département
Kinesiology
Organization id
33
Institution établissement
University of Waterloo
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2014
Competition year année de concours
2015
Award amount
150000
Program id
EQPEQ
Program name en
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Program name fr
Outils et instruments de recherche - catégorie 1 (<150 000$)
Group en
Discovery grants programs
Group fr
Programmes de subventions à la découverte
Committee code
1502
Committee name en
Biological Systems and Functions
Committee name fr
Systèmes et fonctions biologiques
Area of application code
1102
Area of application group en
Health, education and social services
Area of application group fr
Santé publique, éducation et services sociaux
Area of application en
Biomedical engineering
Area of application fr
Génie biomédical
Research subject code
1903
Research subject group en
Biomedical engineering
Research subject group fr
Génie biomédical
Research subject en
Biomechanics
Research subject fr
Biomécanique
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
STABIL - a System to advance Technology and Assessment of Balance, Impact, and Loading
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
The current proposal is a request for a robust mechanical perturbation system to provide precisely controlled dynamic stimuli to support a group of researchers with a shared focus on fundamental research linked to human stability, musculoskeletal loading, and mobility. The infrastructure, referred to as STABIL (System to advance Technology and Assessment of Balance, Impact and Loading), comprises three general elements including a dynamic perturbation platform driven by linear motors, a system of force plates mounted to the platform, and appropriate safety equipment. STABIL will afford unique and essential methods to advance the research programs of 13 NSERC-funded scientists in three complementary research themes. Under the theme of 'Balance and Mobility', STABIL will be critical for advancing fundamental understanding of neuromechanical control of whole body balance and mobility including a focus on robotics and modeling of bipedal movement. Regarding the theme of 'Impact and Loading Biomechanics', STABIL will support novel research that enhances our basic understanding of impact biomechanics and control of segment and joint stability in response to mechanical disturbances. Finally, STABIL will be an integral element of the 'Sensor and Assistive Technologies' theme which will develop and evaluate new sensors (wearable and fixed) and assistive technologies to assess/influence kinetics and kinematics of whole body movement. In addition to supporting world-class research, STABIL would afford novel training opportunities by supporting a research environment where HQP with engineering backgrounds work in concert with life sciences trainees within discipline-integrated teams. Collectively, the availability of this dynamic perturbation system, along with our currently available measurement technologies (EEG, EMG, eye-tracker, motion analysis), will support state-of-the-science research programs and provide unique training opportunities for all levels of HQP from different disciplines.
