Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Human movement analysis (HMA) forms the corner stone of biomedical research into a variety of fields, from human physical activity and functioning, to motor control and learning, to mobility disorders and rehabilitation. HMA laboratories require specialized equipment for capturing the three critical components of human movement: body segment movement trajectories via cameras or sensors, foot-floor reaction forces via embedded force platforms, and muscle activity via electromyography. With these tools, a laboratory can conduct research using simple outcomes such as time-distance parameters of movement, to highly sophisticated neuro-musculoskeletal models that predict effects of disease, injury or surgical repair. UNB is the only site in the Province of New Brunswick with fully equipped HMA lab facilities. The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME) has been the site of UNB's HMA research activities since the late 1990s. In October of 2011, the Richard J. Currie Centre opened on the UNB campus, housing a new state-of-the-art, high volume HMA lab (Andrew and Marjorie McCain Human Performance Lab). The new lab was outfitted in part by CFI funding for a new 12 camera Vicon Nexus motion capture system and two Kistler force plates. Because of the size of the new lab it was decided a six-force plate array could be used. Therefore, the four existing plates at IBME lab were moved to the McCain lab. One of these plates (c.1970's model) now needs to be replaced. In order to complete the infrastructure requirements so that both laboratories are fully functional, which is well justified by the volume and diversity of HMA research at UNB, this RTI application requests funds to replace the four force plates at IBME that went to the McCain lab, to replace the failing Kistler force plate in the McCain lab, and to purchase a dedicated EMG system for the McCain lab. With these infrastructure improvements UNB will have fully equipped HMA facilities for both small volume (balance studies, upper extremity prosthesis studies) and large volume research (walking, running, and other sport activity).