The Gait-Realtime-Analysis-Interactive-Lab is a large-scale research device for the study of human locomotion in an interactive virtual environment with real-time motion analysis and online feedback. The GRAIL consists of a 180° projection-based VR environment with surround audio system, in which a multifunctional treadmill with integrated force plates is implemented and synchronized with the VR. The device is complemented by a complex, spatio-temporally high-resolution motion analysis system with 10 special infrared cameras and a wireless electromyography for mobile measurement of muscle activity patterns. The motion analysis system as well as the force plates represent the interface for interaction of the test subjects with the VR and the treadmill (e.g. self-paced mode).
The OpenLab plays a particular role within the Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences with regard to the experimental and scientific training and assistance of PhD students, as well as Master's and Bachelor's students. This primarily refers to students of the participating Departments of Movement Science, Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise, Sport Psychology and Social Sciences in Sport.
The educational mission of the lab lies within the scientific education, the practical notice of the students with scientific methodologies and modern experimental technologies. Moreover, functional aims involve the promotion of autonomous thinking, the correct handling with computer softwares for the management and evaluation of experiments, as well as independent programming.
Electroencephalography is a non-invasive method for measuring the electrophysiological activity of neurons in the human cortex. Electrodes attached to the scalp register the electrical signals of neuron clusters on the surface of the head and provide information about neuronal activity in the cortex. System: Brain Products GmbH, Gilching, Germany
LiveAmp 64 (mobile 64-channel system with active electrodes)
actiChamp 64 (stationary 64-channel system with active electrodes)
The driving simulator offers the possibility to study complex human behavior in a virtual environment close to everyday life. While driving through a rural environment, the participants perform different cognitively demanding tasks during driving. The effects on different measures of driving behavior, such as lane keeping or speed control, are being studied.
System:
Carnetsoft version 8.0
Groningen
The Netherlands
The transcranial current stimulation – tCS) is a non invasive test procedure measuring brain stimulation. In this technique low voltage current is applicated to at the scalp placed electrodes to stimulated the underneth cortex.The produced flow of electricity and the produced electric field modulates the cortical activity. Also deeper brain structures can be influenced. tCS is seperated into "transcranial direct current stimulation" – tDCS, "transcranial alternating current stimulation" – tACS) as well as "transcranial random noise stimulation" – tRNS.
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive imaging technique for studying how the brain works.
Using light-emitting diodes, infrared light is emitted into the brain tissue below the surface of the head, and its reflection is detected by highly sensitive light sensors.
Changes in oxygen saturation in the corresponding brain areas are measured, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the activity of these areas during the processing of various tasks.
System: NIRSport2
NIRX Medical Technologies, Glen Head, NY
The Vicon system is an infrared camera system for recording and analyzing movements using retroreflective markers. Taped to various body points of the test subjects, the additional infrared light emitted by the cameras is reflected and recorded by high-resolution cameras.
Our laboratory is equipped with a total of 10 cameras, which make it possible to record the position of the markers in 3-dimensional space. In the evaluation, it is then possible to determine, for example, the trajectories of individual limbs, or angles of specific joints during movement execution.
The Optogait is a system for instrumentalized gait analysis. As a result of neurological or orthopedic disorders, but also in advanced age, changes in the gait pattern often occur, such as a shortening of the step length or lengthening of the stance phase.
With the Optogait, spatio-temporal parameters of the step pattern can be precisely quantified and thus used for diagnostics or verification of therapeutic interventions. In addition, the system can also be used to check performance-relevant parameters in sports, for example to record speed.
Lactate as a metabolic product of the body is always present in small quantities in the blood. However, the concentration during exercise can increase considerably and serves as a valid parameter in performance diagnostics. The lactate concentration is measured in the capillary blood (earlobe) and can provide information about physical fitness and different intensity levels for training control for the test person based on its specific kinetics.
NeuroTracker is a software application that can be run on a 3D TV system or screen. The program includes a display of a black 3D room when the subject wears appropriate 3D glasses. In the room 8 balls are moving in different speeds. The subject has the task to remember a specific number of the balls and at the end of the movement of the balls to name the new position. NeuroTracker is mainly used to improve the cognitive performance of an athlete in sports. Selective attention, perception and decision making are to be diagnosed and trained with this program.
System: NeuroTracker Pro Software
Neurotracker, Montreal/Canada
3D glasses &3D TV Samsung, Seoul/South Korea
This measuring station for respiratory gas analysis at rest and under stress, in combination with a 12-channel ECG and ergometer, provides comprehensive cardiopulmonary function and performance diagnostics. Amperometric solid-state electrolyte sensors with extremely fast response times guarantee precise spiroergometric measurements and a long service life. For performance diagnostics, relevant parameters for training control can thus be collected.
The bicycle ergometer is a test system similar in design to a bicycle, but which remains stationary. Useful not only in training, but also in the laboratory thanks to the easy power settings. The Corival cpet from LODE can be set in load levels from 7 - 1000 watts independent of the speed. The ergometer offers the possibility to perform performance diagnostics specifically for cyclists or, for example, people who cannot run on a treadmill due to injury.
With the SmarTracks system from the company Humotion, athletes from a wide range of sports can receive professional performance diagnostics. Sensor electronics integrated into a textile belt are used in combination with magnetic barriers. Testing suggests an athlete's sprinting ability, agility, endurance, jumping power and cyclic action ability, for example, during tapping.
"Tapping" describes a part of performance diagnostics in which the number of ground contacts of the feet in a defined time window are measured. The body's ability to produce fast, rhythmic movements can thus be recorded. The tapping measurement system consists of a floor plate with two separate contact points to measure both feet individually. In addition, the system allows jump parameters to be recorded.
System:
Tapping test device, Sportservice Voß, Doberschütz, Germany
The heart rate monitoring team system of the company acentas®, provides exact measurements of the heart rate in a group of up to 40 athletes at the same time. Using a chest strap, the heart rate is derived from the electrical impulses of the heart and transmitted to a PC system. The software also outputs the heart rate variability (HRV) and thus allows conclusions to be drawn about the autonomic nervous system.
GPS trackers find versatile applications in performance diagnostics. Advanced data acquisition systems not only detect the positions of a subject, but can display data related to speed, running distance, frequent positions. The Tracktics® brand "Team Box" enables these measurements. With the help of the collected data, which is mainly applied within different team sports, game strategy and training can be adjusted.
System:
Team Box, Tracktics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
