Resources and Learning

Motion Capture System: Biomechanical motion capture is done to record the movement of bodies in space so that researchers may analyze and retrieve important information about how people walk, such as joint angles, center of mass movement, and a variety of other metrics. The basic premise of motion capture relies on reflective markers that are placed on anatomically significant body landmarks and can be tracked by infrared cameras throughout the movement. The position data of these markers during walking is used to calculate each person's movement characteristics.

Oxygen Consumption:  We use oxygen to create energy throughout the body. This system measures the amount of oxygen breathed in and used by the body and the amount of carbon dioxide released from the body. During exercise and at rest, these measures give us important information about how hard the body is working, and what fuel (carbohydrates or fat) is being used at the time. 

MRS, MRI:  Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and imaging (MRI) are sophisticated techniques that can be used to measure human energy production and anatomy noninvasively. MR machines use strong magnetic fields and radio waves (not radiation) to generate information about biochemistry, or images of the organs in the body. MRI is widely used in hospitals and clinics for medical diagnoses and follow-up without exposing the body to radiation. We use MRS and MRI in our current studies to evaluate muscle biochemistry during fatigue, and muscle size and fat composition. 

Mobility:  Mobility is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life and movement independence. Current research shows that as we age, our mobility usually declines, and thus our quality of life suffers as well. It is important to identify why we develop mobility impairments with old age, as a proper understanding of the causes of these changes will lead to effective interventions to prevent or reverse them.