Assessment and discrimination of balance capacity
We are looking for a bachelor/master student of Movement Science with an interest in clinical biomechanics and the assessment of balance. Experience with Qualisys is beneficial, however, not mandatory.
Background and aim
A quick review into the literature shows, that there are many different ways to quantify balance performance. But which is best? And if one has additional kinematic data, is another method better? And what is good balance? How do we maintain balance? Can you find structures that contribute to balance, which was previously not known? Thinking along these lines, you may define your own research question. We have asked 15 people to perform the following tasks: 2 limb and 1 limb stance with eyes open and closed, and 1 limb stance with finger support. We have recorded the external force data (Kistler force plates) and body part kinematics by means of Qualisys. The ground reaction forces, Centre of pressure and the kinematics of the whole body have been assessed, including the kinematics of 5 foot segments. Especially the latter information is new and has not been analyzed yet.
Your assignment
You would help with the measurements in the OpenLab, including kinematic and kinetic motion tracking in Qualisys. You will also assist in the analysis of the datasets.
Possible Projects
BSc M12 Research Project, 5 CP
BSc M15 Bachelor Thesis (11 weeks, max 50 pages), 12 CP
MSc M06 Research Project, 5 CP
MSc M07 Work Experience, 11 CP
MSc M08 Master Thesis (max 80 pages) with disputation, 24 CP
What else do you need to know?
You will be working in the department of Movement Science located at Horstmarer Landweg 50 in Münster.