Research Tools This page highlights many of the tools used in our research. The Locomotion Research Group is affiliated with the UMass Biomechanics Laboratory, where many of these resources are housed. On campus, we also collaborate closely with the Muscle Physiology Laboratory  and the Motor Control Laboratory. © 2012 LRG | Department of Kinesiology | University of Massachusetts Amherst Locomotion Research Group Department of Kinesiology University of Massachusetts 30 Eastman Lane Amherst, MA 01003-9258 Phone: 413-545-1436 Fax: 413-545-2906 Motion Capture An eight-camera system is used to track the motion of reflective markers placed over the segments and joints of interest. This provides a complete time-history of the motion of the major body segments. Force Measurement A force plate is used to measure the forces generated between the subject and the ground. Together with motion data, this allows us to compute the internal forces and moments in the body. Electromyography Muscle activation timing and amplitude are monitored using small electrodes placed on the skin over the muscles. This gives additional insight as to how muscles are contributing to a movement. Energy Expenditure Metabolic energy consumption is estimated non-invasively from measurements of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. Magnetic Resonance & Ultrasound The structure and function of the musculoskeletal system is determined on living subjects using a combination of magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and ultrasound. Modeling and Simulation Dynamic models of the musculoskeletal system are created and analyzed using a combination of software tools including Autolev, SIMM, and OpenSim.