Western Washington University (WWU) is renowned for its diverse array of research laboratories, each contributing significantly to various fields of study. Among these, the Biomechanics Laboratory stands out as a premier facility within the Health & Human Development department. This laboratory is dedicated to advancing our understanding of human movement through cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art equipment.

Location and Facilities

The Biomechanics Laboratory is strategically situated on the third floor of the Carver Academic Facility (CV), occupying rooms 303, 304, and 305. This prime location within the campus underscores its importance in the university’s research infrastructure. The laboratory is meticulously designed to support both educational and research activities, catering to undergraduate and graduate programs in Kinesiology and Physical Education.

Advanced Equipment and Technology

A hallmark of the Biomechanics Laboratory is its extensive array of sophisticated equipment, enabling precise analysis of human movement. The facility boasts:

• Force Measurement Tools: Including AMTI force platforms embedded in the floor and portable versions, a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer System 4 Pro, Noraxon SciFit Pressure Treadmills, a Velotron Cycle Ergometer with a rehab frame, and Sensix Force Pedals.
• Motion Analysis Systems: Featuring Vicon Vantage and Vue Cameras, Polhemus Liberty and Fastrak Magnetic Tracking Devices, electrical goniometers, a 5-sensor XSens MTx telemetric triaxial accelerometry/gyroscope system, Microstrain G-Link wireless triaxial accelerometers, and an Edgertronic High-Speed Camera.
• Electromyography (EMG) Equipment: Such as the Noraxon Desktop DTS with 8 and 16 channels, facilitating detailed muscle activity analysis.
• Biomechanical Analysis Software: Including Vicon Nexus, Visual 3D by C-Motion, MR3 by Noraxon, MATLAB by MathWorks, and LabVIEW by National Instruments, all of which are integral for data analysis and research.

This comprehensive suite of tools ensures that students and researchers can conduct high-fidelity studies into the mechanics of human movement.

Educational Integration

The laboratory plays a pivotal role in the academic journey of students pursuing degrees in Kinesiology. The Bachelor’s program offers specializations in Exercise Science, Sport Psychology, and Pre-Health Care, while the Master’s program provides emphases in Sport & Exercise Psychology and Exercise Science. Within these programs, the Biomechanics Laboratory serves as a critical resource, offering hands-on experience with advanced equipment and methodologies.

Research Endeavors

Research conducted within the Biomechanics Laboratory encompasses a broad spectrum of topics related to human movement. Studies often focus on understanding the mechanical aspects of movement, injury prevention, rehabilitation techniques, and performance enhancement. The laboratory’s advanced equipment allows for detailed analysis of kinetic and kinematic variables, providing insights that are essential for developing evidence-based practices in health and human performance.

Collaborative Opportunities

The Biomechanics Laboratory fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging interdisciplinary research and partnerships. Students and faculty often work together on projects, combining expertise from various fields to address complex questions related to human movement. This collaborative approach not only enriches the research experience but also prepares students for diverse careers in health, sports, and research settings.

Conclusion

In summary, the Biomechanics Laboratory at Western Washington University exemplifies the institution’s commitment to excellence in research and education. Its state-of-the-art facilities, comprehensive educational programs, and collaborative research environment make it a cornerstone of the university’s Health & Human Development department, contributing significantly to advancements in the understanding of human movement.