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)

Biomechanics (ExBiRT)

Psychology

Virtual Immersive Training And Learning

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.