Facilities

1. Material Test Laboratory

This laboratory contains material testing machines for determining the mechanical properties of biological tissues, technical materials or complex equipment. A MicroCT is also available, with which structural properties of tissues can be analyzed.

2. Histology, Molecular Biology and Diagnostics Laboratory

This laboratory has an S1 safety declaration and here we use histological, biochemical and molecular biological techniques. Bioreactors for mechanical loading of cells and tissues are currently under development.

3. Anthropometry Laboratory

A full-body laser scanner is available for non-contact, individual, three-dimensional recording of human anatomy and anthropometry, as well as a foot scanner with a higher resolution for analyzing foot morphology and deformities.

4. Preparation Wet Lab

This laboratory is used to study human preparations. Pneumatic stress simulators in conjunction with a high-resolution motion analysis system and intra-articular joint contact stress distribution measurements are used to investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal stress and musculoskeletal variation as well as technological and surgical interventions.

5. X-ray Laboratory

In this laboratory, two C-arms are available for dynamic analysis of skeletal movement in preparation studies. In addition, a peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) can be used to determine bone density and reconstruct individual segment geometry.

6. Muscle Mechanics and Neuromechanics Laboratory

In this laboratory, various specialized and adaptable dynamometer systems are installed for complex muscle strength diagnostics. Further, muscle strength and power can be analyzed in isokinetic, isometric and plyometric modalities. We use ultrasound imaging in conjunction with multi-channel and high resolution matrix EMG to investigate the contractile behavior of the muscle tendon unit.

7. Motion Analysis Laboratory I: Complex and Combined

State-of-the-art motion capturing technology with 24 high-resolution infrared cameras, four permanently but variably installed force plates, an instrumented stair case and ramp system armored with custom-built force sensors allow for the biomechanical analysis of movement in almost any everyday loading situation. The versatility of this laboratory includes applications to working life simulations and ergonomics testing. There are also opportunities for analyzing large-volume and highly dynamic types of movement from sports-related scenarios. Electromyography systems (EMG) and interactive sensor systems expand these unique possibilities. The laboratory also allows various safety and sports floors to be studied using appropriate floor constructions for testing these in change of direction tasks, landings and the like.

8. Motion Analysis Laboratory II: Gait and Run

In addition to standard analyses of walking and running - mainly based on motion analysis technology on a treadmill – perturbations can be used to simulate various neuromuscular and skeletal diseases or expose participants to challenging situations using various internationally established stumbling and falling paradigms.

9. Motion Analysis Laboratory III: Posture and Jump

In our smallest movement analysis laboratory, lifting and walking scenarios can be analyzed with less dynamics and over shorter distances without a treadmill. This laboratory is mainly used to research the specifics of walking in the elderly and people with neuromuscular limitations. It also allows for the analysis of vertical jump performance in sport specific diagnostics.

10. Motion Analysis Laboratory IV: High Performance

Modern motion capturing technology with over 30 cameras and variable force platform arrangements can be used for detailed biomechanical analyses of highly complex movements. This can be performed in combination with electromagnetic motion sensor systems, EMG systems and in interaction with sports equipment. The laboratory can be opened up to the adjacent indoor track and field arena of the German Sport University and allows for full biomechanical access of large range movements like simulated bob and skeleton starts, high jump, pole vault and full out sprinting in track and field disciplines.

11. Development Workshops

The institute is integrating and covering the administration of the two developmental workshops of the GSU, the Electronics Workshop and Precision Engineering Workshop. This close interaction between technicians and researchers enables us to develop new measurement approaches and integrate these into the laboratory structure, the research projects and the teaching environment at IBO and GSU.