SPORTS BIOMECHANICS LABORATORY

Rousanoglou Elisavet, Professor
 

Sector: Sports Medicine & Biology of Exercise
Field of Study: Sports Biomechanics
Director of Sports Biomechanics Laboratory
Contact: Tel.: 2107276158, E-mail: erousan@phed.uoa.gr

Research areas

The laboratory's research areas include Biomechanical and Kinesiological analysis of human movement, Human kinetic mechanism performance, Assessment and improvement of sports technique, Anthropometric characteristics, Body composition and somatotype, Biomechanical analysis of sports movements, Musical Rhythm, Exercise performance, Motor retraining, Sports technique, Neuromuscular function, Motor control, Static/dynamic balance disorder, Motor learning, Competitive performance, Factors affecting volleyball athletes' performance, Morphology, functionality, and performance, Methods of improving sports performance and preventing injuries, Neuromechanical properties of muscle, Human jumping performance: mechanisms and performance parameters, Myofascia and response of the myofascial system to exercise/physical activity.

Laboratory Equipment

The laboratory is equipped with the following instruments, components, software, and custom-made devices:

1. One isokinetic dynamometer with components for assessing muscle groups (Cybex++), which communicates with a platform and data collection and analysis software (Biopac Systems, Acknowledge Software).
2. Two high-speed image capture cameras (up to 1000 fps) (Redlake cameras) and two-dimensional and three-dimensional motion capture and analysis software (Peak Motus Software).
3. Video cameras (out of use) and not used due to age, one film projector, and one digitizer for two-dimensional digitization analysis.
4. One video camera (GoPro 8 Black) (Recording capabilities: 4K/60fps, 4K(4:3)/30fps, 2.7k/120fps, 2.7K(4:3)/60fps, 1440p/120fps, 1080p/240fps, 960/240fps, 720/240fps, Field of view: 155°).
5. Three Garmin Fenix 5S smartwatches.
6. Two electronic force plates (Kistler), one fixed installation and one portable, along with two-dimensional and three-dimensional data collection and analysis software (Bioware Software).
7. Four load cells and digital indicator unit (SDB-320B) (Kyowa Electronic Instruments CO, LTD).
8. System of six inertial sensors (Xsens, MT Awinda) and related three-dimensional data collection and analysis software (MTmanager Software).
9. One inertial sensor (Lord Microstrain GX3-45) and related three-dimensional data collection and analysis software (MT Manager).
10. Wireless electronic photocell timing system (Brower Timing Systems, Utah, USA).
11. One anthropometry kit and auxiliary body composition measurement devices.
12. Skinfold caliper for body composition assessment (Harpenden Caliper, England).
13. Treadmill ergometer (Technogym).
14. Gait and running activity assessment system (GaitAnalysis) (DigitSole) PodoSmart insoles, ZhorTech).
15. Open biological signal collection system (Biopac Inc, USA) consisting of a series of sensors and amplifiers and a platform for converting analog signals to digital, communicating with analysis and processing software through the following sensors and recording systems:
    - Surface electroencephalographic activity (2 channels)
    - Surface electromyographic activity (2 channels)
    - Surface vibromyography (4 channels)
    - Respiratory activity (2 channels)
    - Foot contact shocks (heel-toe, walking/running activity) (2 channels)
    - Acceleration (3 channels)
    - Angular measurement (2 channels)
    - High-speed image capture video camera (100 fps) (640 x 480 resolution), which operates with Acknowledge software.
    - Electroencephalography cap system (CAP100C, Electro-Cap Center B.V., medium size: 54-58 cm).
16. Additionally, individual constructions and data collection devices have been designed and developed, including:
    - Special electronic boards for targeting in sports.
    - Special system for measuring instantaneous object velocity.
    -Special constructions and mounts for measurements in competitive swimming.