Motion analysis and biomechanics

Our lab is equipped with 3D motion cameras (CodaMotion®), pressure plates, force plates, motion sensors (Captiv), EMG sensors and a 4D back scanning system (Diers®). We already used these in the analysis of the function of lower leg prosthetics, ankle foot orthotics, foot orthotics, exoskeletons used in a work environment and so much more.

With our (bio-)mechanical tests, we test, among other things, the stiffness and strength properties of existing devices. We can also perform long-term repetition of the same movement pattern. For example, we already tested newly developed prosthetics for fatigue by having a robotic gait simulator step with this prosthetic for several million gait cycles. Furthermore, we were also able to validate new measurement systems by checking whether those measurement systems recognized the imposed kinematic pattern.

In addition to our “in vivo” testing, we also do simulations. Finite element and musculoskeletal simulations allow us to simulate the operation of devices prior to manufacturing them.

Finally, we also use all this knowledge when designing or optimizing existing devices. For example, we developed an elbow exoskeleton that can be used in rehabilitation and, at the request of occupational therapists, we made personalized devices that can be used by their clients.