Labs

Biomechanics is the study of forces and their effects on living systems. Biomechanics provides advanced knowledge in biomechanics particularly related to performance enhancement and injury prevention. Students focus their academic course work on developing the ability to understand and apply the principles of biomechanics when serving as a movement analyst in competitive and recreational sport situations, as well as in the workplace.

Current Research

• Hammer Throw Technique
• Windmill pitch and fatigue during pitching sessions
• Orthopedic bracing
  Equipment

Lab Capabilities

Our state-of-the-art motion labs offer the following technology to allow students to conduct research at the undergraduate and graduate level:

• Two VICON Nexus 3-D motion capture systems, used to measure movements of the body using reflective markers and infrared light
• One VICON Motus system, a markerless motion capture system used to film athletes in their natural play environment
• Two AMTI force plates, used to analyze the forces exerted on the body during walking, running, and other force-producing tasks
• Noraxon 12-lead EMG system, which integrates with the VICON system during motion capture
• Cybex isokinetic dynamometer, used to analyze the torque produced by a joint during motion
• Sets of inertial movement sensors, used to measure orientation, velocity, and gravitational forces
• Pressure-sensitive insoles, used to analyze gait patterns during movement
• A series of accelerometers and wearable sensors used in a variety of environments, from football gameplay to shooting sports
• Custom-ordered research accessories, like underwater camera housings and eye movement trackers, purchased to allow students to research the movements and activities that interest them the most

The Marshall University Exercise Physiology Laboratory (MUEPL) is a 3000 sq. ft. facility equipped with the latest technology for testing:

• Athletic Performance
• Ventiltory and Lactate Thresholds
• Fitness
• Exercise metabolism/VO2max
• Resting Metabolism
• Core Temperature and Thermoregulation
• Strength
• Reaction Time
• Balance
• Sports Vision Training
• Body Composition
• And more…

Over $300,000 of research equipment is available to graduate students engaging in Master’s thesis projects and independent studies. Moreover, the MUEPL is vital to convert knowledge into skill in both the undergraduate and graduate programs by providing access to “state of the art” equipment for data collection and analysis.

The Marshall University Clinical Exercise Laboratory (MUCEL) is one of the few such laboratories in the country that hosts on-site clinical programs to provide undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on opportunities to work in the clinical setting. This means that students learn to develop exercise prescriptions, take blood pressures, read electrocardiograms, check blood glucose readings, and make appropriate assessments with real patients within a real world clinical setting. For example, students work with members of the community, and patients with various chronic diseases and conditions including diabetes, cardiac patients, overweight and obese patients, etc. by directly applying their knowledge gained in the classrooms.

The MUCEL offers various clinical programs through collaborative relationships with the Department of Exercise Science, Marshall Health, Marshall University School of Medicine and Cabell Huntington Hospital and others. This permits students to obtain valuable health promotion, disease prevention, and hands on clinical experience with medical profile development, case study analysis, and client/patient management in the cardiac rehabilitation and sports medicine settings.

Long established programs include:

• The Diabetes Exercise Center: Affiliated with the Diabetes Treatment Center of Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall University Medical Center (ADA certified)
• Phase II and Phase III/Long-Term Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (AACVPR certified)
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in The Center for Lung Health (AACVPR certified)
  – These programs require mature and responsible behavior in managing patients with multiple medical disorders.

The Muscle Physiology Laboratory is a research laboratory investigating skeletal muscle morphology.

The skeletal muscle properties vary depending on genetics and types and amount of activities as well as affected by diseases and drugs. A piece of skeletal muscle is sampled, frozen, sliced in very thin (6 mm thickness), and stained with chemicals. Under a light microscope, a stained muscle sample is analyzed for:

• Size (diameter)
• Types of muscle (slow, fast, or hybrid)
• Abnormalities in shape or contents
• Adult stem cell activity
• Capillary density, and
• Damage.

These properties can be changed by 8 weeks of training. We study healthy human skeletal muscle from volunteer participants, as well as tissue from rats and mice.

Currently, the lab is looking into the muscle damage related to cholesterol-lowering medicine (statin) in humans, and the muscle size and type changes by simulated microgravity (for space flight to Mars) using rats.

The Muscle Physiology Laboratory is under the direction of Dr. Kumika Toma. For more information on her research, email tomak@marshall.edu or call 304-696-2651.