SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY LABORATORY

Mandalidis Dimitrios, Associate Professor
 

Section: Sports Medicine & Biology of Exercise
Field of Study: Sports Physical Therapy
Director of Sports Physiotherapy Laboratory
Communication: 8 Isminis Str., Tel.: 210 9702485, E-mail: dmndldis[at]phed.uoa[dot]gr

Research areas

The research activities of the Laboratory of Sports Physiotherapy encompass the assessment of individuals' functional capabilities in various contexts. These include (i) individuals with pre-existing or induced skeletal asymmetries, misalignments, or deviations of the trunk and limbs, such as leg length discrepancy or scapular asymmetry, as well as muscular weaknesses or imbalances, (ii) individuals under conditions involving the transportation of endogenous and exogenous loads, such as body weight or infant weight, and the use of backpacks, (iii) individuals under conditions of induced neuromuscular fatigue, such as after performing single-leg or two-leg jumps, eccentric contractions, or plyometric exercises, and (iv) individuals following interventions involving exercises, such as stretching exercises, and physiotherapeutic techniques and tools, such as foam rollers, kinesiology tape, and orthoses. These research endeavors are aimed at addressing musculoskeletal dysfunctions, safeguarding athletes, and preventing injuries.

Laboratory Equipment

The Sports Physical Therapy Laboratory includes a director's office, a secretariat with a waiting area, and spaces available for clinical and research work. Its scientific equipment includes:

1. Anthropometric instruments for measuring diameters, perimeters, and distances, such as rulers, calipers, measuring tapes of various sizes (SECA, GmbH & Co, Germany, METRICA, San Donato M.se (MI) Italy), and laser distance meters (PLR 50 and PLR 25, Robert Bosch GmbH, Germany).
2. Instruments for measuring body weight and height with a mechanical scale (Seca 700, GmbH & Co, Germany) and a telescopic height measure (Seca 220, GmbH & Co, Germany).
3. Skinfold caliper for body composition assessment (Harpenden Caliper, England).
4. Analog measurement instruments for range of motion assessment, including various-sized goniometers for peripheral joint measurement (Dasco Pro AF300 Angle Finder Plus Level, Dasco Pro, Inc., USA, Chinesport, Italy), cervical range of motion measurement (CROM, Performance Attainment Associates, USA), and scoliosis assessment (AcroMed® scoliometer).
5. Digital inclinometer (Saunder’s digital inclinometer, Empi Therapy Solutions, USA).
6. Inertial sensor (Gyko, Microgate, Italy) supported by data analysis software (GykoRepower version 1.2.2.0) for assessing peripheral joint range of motion, static body balance, and vertical jump.
7. Hydraulic hand dynamometer (JAMAR® Hand grip dynamometer, Patterson Medical, USA).
8. Open biological signal collection system (MP 100, Biopac Systems, Inc. Aero Camino Goleta, CA, USA) consisting of six electromyographic activity sensors, wired connected to a platform converting analog signals to digital, supported by analysis and processing software (AcqKnowledge, v. 3.9.1.6, Biopac Systems, Inc. USA).
9. Portable open biological signal collection system (Biosignalsplux, Portugal) with eight (8) channels, accompanied by data analysis and processing software, including:
   -Two inductive respiration sensors for respiratory pattern assessment.
   - One temperature sensor.
   - Two force sensors.
   - Two electroencephalography sensors (EEG sensors).
   - One functional near-infrared spectroscopy sensor (fNIRS sensor).
   - One electrodermal activity sensor.
10. Spirometer (microQuark, Cosmed Sri, Italy) accompanied by measurement software (OMNIA® Software, Cosmed Sri, Italy) for measuring respiratory volumes.
11. Respiratory exercise device (POWERbreathe K5, POWERbreathe International Ltd, UK).