Objectives

 

The primary goal of the lab is to study the designs of products, tools, and occupational tasks in order to reduce fatal and non-fatal brain and musculoskeletal injuries, neuromuscular fatigue, and thus improve the effectiveness of the human body as a whole. We also investigate mechano-physiological mechanisms of neuromusculoskeletal injuries and disabilities in order to identify causal factors and prevention/treatment protocols. Our expertise lies in computational and experimental biomechanics, neuromuscular fatigue modeling, OpenSim musculoskeletal modeling, brain activation analysis, computer-aided design,  finite element modeling, and human factors engineering.

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Approach

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Research at the HPNEL includes experimental, theoretical (mathematical modeling), and in-silico simulation approaches to study the human brain, muscle functionality, total mobility, and visual perception. 

 

• Experimental: biodynamic and neurophysical measurement methods

• Theoretical: population-specific mathematical modeling of neuromuscular, brain cognitive function, and visual responses of human interactions

• Simulation: focus on hypothetical finite-element and OpenSim computer simulations to understand both mechano-physiological and neural effects in order to derive effective design methodology as well as injury prevention and intervention strategies

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Facilities

 

The HPNEL houses many state-of-the-art facilities including a motion capture system, biopotential sensors, immersive technology (virtual reality), a 3-DOF driving simulator, a 32-channel electroencephalogram (EEG), 16-channel surface electromyography (EMG), flexible electrocardiogram (EKG) sensors, iso-kinetic strength measurement system, 3D scanner, treadmill, helmet impact testing setup, helmet roll-off testing setup, eye-tracking system, force plates, and hand and back isometric strength measurement systems.  The majority of these bio-dynamic and neurophysical measurement systems can be both physically and digitally synchronized to conduct human subject studies in both physical and virtual settings.