Functional Assessment Suite

Introduction
List of Services
Our Team

Introduction

The Functional Assessment Suite is equipped to conduct research, offer community programs and perform assessments that measure movement, flexibility, strength and balance. We are furnished with cutting-edge equipment that is used in biomechanics research and clinical assessments and are able to service a wide range of fields including clinical research, occupational biomechanics, athletic performance, and industrial research.

List of Services

Motion Capture and Data Analysis

We are equipped with 8 Vicon MX T20 cameras, individual markers, and marker clusters that can be arranged for a custom marker set up that satisfies your motion capture data collection needs. Below are examples of the projects that were conducted using our motion capture system:

Elyse Courville (MSc candidate, Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University) is examining the balance in traumatic unilateral lower-limb amputees compared to the able-bodied population when their balance is perturbed by the perturbation platform. Vicon motion capture, force plate, and EMG data are recorded when dynamically testing balance on one leg. The potential implication of this project is the improvement of rehabilitation protocols that will target affected aspects of balance.

The Functional Assessment Suite evaluated the efficacy of an exoskeleton designed to reduce physical demands for occupations that involve repetitive lifting. Vicon motion capture and EMG were used to objectively validate the industrial product.

Electromyography (EMG)

A 16-channel Noraxon TeleMyo DTS unit is available for projects that require EMG. The Functional Assessment Suite can assist with collection, processing, and analysis of EMG signals to analyze muscle activity. The EMG unit can be integrated into the motion capture system enabling device data to be all synchronized with one another.

Force Measurement and Perturbation Production

The Functional Assessment Suite is equipped with 2 AMTI force plates that can measure forces and moments in 3D and an H2W Perturbation Table capable of inducing linear and rotational perturbations. These devices can also be integrated into the motion capture system allowing for a simultaneous operation of all the devices involved.

Gait Analysis using a Specialized Pressure Walkway

A 20ft long ProtoKinetics Zeno Walkway mat can be used to conduct gait analysis. This device is particularly useful when gait and balance characteristics of specific populations want to be evaluated.

Isokinetic Strength Testing

The strength of a variety of joints can be tested with the HUMAC NORM Isokinetic Dynamometer. The benefit of an isokinetic device is that it moves at a constant angular velocity thereby increasing participant safety and reducing the risk of injury. This device is of great benefit to safely assess strength, set baseline strength value for individuals, and objectively track recovery progression after injury.

Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)

The NeuroCom EquiTest Computerized Dynamic Posturography provides objective assessments of balance control and postural stability under static or dynamic environment conditions and under stable or unstable support conditions designed to reflect the challenges of daily life. CDP is a valuable tool to assess the balance of people in particular those with neurological issues.

Data Processing, Analysis, and Presentation

Our software library includes MATLAB, Vicon Nexus, BodyBuilder, Polygon, and PKMAS for data processing, analysis, and presentation purposes. We also have the programming expertise to assist with these aspects of projects.

Our Team

Marchiano Dong Jun Oh - Supervisor, Functional Assessment

Marchiano joined PERFORM as the Supervisor of the Functional Assessment Suite. He oversees biomechanics-related activities. Marchiano supports academic and industry researchers with multiple facets of biomechanical projects including coordinating time, space and equipment requirements, data collection and post-collection processing, analysis and presentation. He has programming expertise in MATLAB and is very knowledgeable in motion capture, EMG, and force measurement and biomechanical signal processing and analysis.

Marchiano received his BSc in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and his MSc in Biomechanics from Queen’s University. He has also worked at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute where he furthered his research and enhanced his technical knowledge and skills.

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