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Human Movement Science

Human movement science

The human movement science group seeks to extend knowledge about the factors influencing the control, organisation and learning of human movement.

Our focus is wide-ranging, from the optimisation of elite performance to the maintenance of physical activity for people with impaired functioning, such as patient groups or injured athletes.

Research themes

While we frequently take an inter-disciplinary approach, we are broadly grouped into three themes: Biomechanics (ExBiRT)Psychology and Virtual Immersive Training And Learning (VITAL)

Our facilities

Biomechanics facilities

Biomechanics research laboratory at University of Exeter

  • 3D Motion Capture (portable)
  • Two in-ground force plates
  • Surface/intramuscular electromyography
  • Accelerometers

Sports Science facility at Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club

  • Isokinetic dynamometer

  • In-ground force platforms and motion capture

Musculoskeletal imaging

  • MR research centre with technical support
  • Portable ultrasound imaging setup

Software

  • MRI segmentation and automated image processing (ScanIP)
  • Visual 3D and OpenSim musculoskeletal modelling packages
  • Semi-automated ultrasound tracking (UltraTrack)

Psychology, skill acquisition and virtual reality facilities

Skill Acquisition lab 

  • Mobile eye trackers (Tobii, SMI, ASL and Pupil Labs)
  • Psychophysiological measurement (e.g. Physioflow)
  • Sporting tasks (including Driving simulator and 2.5 x 5m putting green)
  • Neurotracker (working memory training) facilities

Virtual Reality lab 

  • VR headsets (Vive) with integrated eye tracking
  • AR headsets (Dreamworld)

Object Interaction lab 

  • 8-camera Optitrak Flex 13 motion tracking system,
  • a 120-hz Pupil lab head-mounted eyetracker,
  • an Oculus Rift headset for immersive augmented reality,
  • PLATO shutter goggles for the control of visual feedback,
  • ATI 6-axis force sensors
  • Ultimaker 3D printer

Psychology and Ageing lab

  • Portable force plates(AMTI Accusway )
  • Galvanic vestibular stimulation (Digitimer DS5)
  • VR headset with integrated gaze tracking (Vive)
  • Motion capture (Vicon)
  • Raised walking platform

Additional facilities at the University of Exeter

  • Transcranial direct current stimulation
  • Da Vinci Surgical Robot
  • VSimulators - which incorporates a six degree of freedom state of the art motion platform (4m x 4m), a fully instrument floor, 360 degree virtual reality, and full motion body capture.
  • Biomechanics and Physiological testing facilities in the department.