Equipment

The Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics utilises a wide range of equipment. In maintaining the holistic nature of research into human responses and potential within the Department, biomechanical, physiological and psycho-physiological equipment is used.

Equipment includes:

• Quark b2 – ergospirometry system
• K4b2 – portable ergospirometry system
• Polar heart rate watches and belts
• Gait Analysis Walkway
• V-scope – for 3D motion analysis
• Vienna Test System – for cognitive and psycho-motor testing
• Dikablis Eye Tracker
• Audiometer and luminance meter
• Force Platform
• OSI CA 6000
• Neurocon Balance Master – specialized rehab force platform
• Cybex – isokinetic dynamometer
• Lumbar Motion Monitor
• Megawin EMG
• Zebris Motion Analysis system – allows 3D motion analysis
• Chatillon Dynamometers
• Data Logger
• Thermographic camera

Some of the equipment used is described in more detail below:

ENRAF-NONIUS ENTREE

WHAT DOES IT DO?

The Entree system is a Windows-linked stack-weight isoinertial machine which can be used to assess the efficiency of movement and strength in both testing and rehabilitation settings.

Assessment of: Power, velocity, force and work

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The system works on a single or double wire pulley which is connected to a weights stack system section. Various movement patterns are executed by upper- and lower limbs when testing clients. The computer allows for graphical comparisons of different sides of the body and also for test/re-test protocols.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THE DATA?
Data are particularly useful in a rehabilitation setting, as the graphs of early testing of strength and range of motion can be compared to repetitions completed at a later stage. The data may also be useful in disability assessment where imbalances in muscle strength on the left and right side can be identified and targeted.

CHATILLON DYNAMOMETERS CSD 400 and 500 MODELS

WHAT DOES IT DO?

The hand-held apparatus allows for basic assessment of isometric force (in kg.f) produced in a clinical or ergonomics situation. Basic movements can be performed to measure, for example, neck and arm strength.

Assessment of: Force

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Readings are calculated from a push or pull force exerted by the subject. Measurements are taken by securing the dynamometer on a wall or in the hand, with the subject then exerting a force. As it is often difficult to measure accurately on the first trial, a number of trials (maximum of 5 trials) should be carried out.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THE DATA?
A base of comparison can be established between isokinetic dynamometry data and in-situ isometric data. The equipment can be used on a more regular basis than the Cybex due to its ease of use and portable nature.

OSI CA-6000

WHAT DOES IT DO?
The OSI system assesses spinal range of motion (ROM) through testing of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. The principle planes of movement are:

Sagittal: flexion/extension
Frontal: lateral bending
Transverse: rotation

Assessment of: Range of motion

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The potentiometers, which are the essential components of the system, measure the range of motion about a reference point of the selected region of the spine. The set-up mirrors an exoskeleton and is not intended to provide an exact measure of the internal range of motion of the spine, but rather a prediction thereof.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THE DATA?
Test data can be used to identify weak areas, for example the lumbar region in low back pain (LBP) sufferers. Follow-up tests will show if any improvements have been forthcoming following a programme of rehabilitation or strengthening exercises. It is also possible to compare the collected data to the graph of OSI normative values.
Assessing flexibility using the OSI CA-6000

CYBEX 6000 ISOKINETIC DYNAMOMETER

WHAT DOES IT DO?
The Cybex system provides a test of isokinetic muscle strength. The speed of the machine stays constant throughout the range of motion, for example, 60.s-1. It is up to the subject to "catch" the machine and express maximal force through the full range of motion.

Assessment of: Torque, work and power outputs

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Isokinetic devices permit individuals to exert as much force and angular movement as they can generate - whether they are a frail rehabilitation client or a robust athlete - at a predetermined velocity. The subject must therefore aim to go as fast and as hard as possible against the machine which in turn will offer an accommodating resistance.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THE DATA?
Data collected can be compared to normative values and test/re-test values can be obtained. Improvements in torque, work and power outputs can be plotted on graphs and used as a form of motivation for the subject.

WALKWAY

WHAT DOES IT DO?
The temporal-distance factors walkway allows for assessment of gait kinematics in a laboratory setting. The walkway is useful for the assessment of changes in gait patterns of an injured person or the assessment of load carriage on gait.

Assessment of: Gait

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The subject has a number of foot-switches placed on specific parts of the feet. These are interfaced with a computer by means of electrical leads. Subjects walk on a metal walkway, passing start/finish LED towers. Their switch-time results are then entered into a computer which records measured and derived kinematic data.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THE DATA?
Gait analysis allows assessment of the influence of injury on the natural walking pattern of a subject. Gait anomalies can be identified and re-assessed following a rehabilitation programme.

V-SCOPE MOTION TRACKING DEVICE

WHAT DOES IT DO?
The V-scope tracks the motion of one or more bodies in space. In other words, the time functions of the position vectors R(t) are continuously measured and recorded by the system for each movable body. All other physical magnitudes, for example velocity and acceleration as well as all data display options are obtained from R(t) by mathematical and graphic processing.

Assessment of: Acceleration and velocity of movement patterns

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Small communication buttons, with different colour designations send infrared signals to the V-scope communication towers which are set-up to track the motion of the subject. It is useful in a rehabilitation setting where the buttons can be placed on the hand or the foot of the subject to assess the movement pattern and efficiency.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THE DATA?
The assessment of acceleration and velocity is particularly useful in industry and rehabilitation. A lifting task can be analysed to determine to what extent the worker is accelerating and at what velocity.

LUMBAR MOTION MONITOR

WHAT DOES IT DO?
The Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM) assesses the dynamic component of lifting tasks in industrial or laboratory settings.

Assessment of: Lumbar displacement, velocity and acceleration

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The LMM consists of a tri-axial electrogoniometer that acts as a lightweight exoskeleton of the lumbar spine. It is positioned on the back of the subject directly in line with the spine and attached by a harness at the pelvis and thorax. Four potentiometers at the base of the LMM measure instantaneous position of the spine in 3D space relative to the pelvis.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THE DATA?
The LMM can be used in-situ to assess the forces placed on the spine while executing a manual task. That task can be compared to a large database of jobs from different sectors of industry/manufacturing to review risk level. The LMM can also assist in determining whether or not ergonomics intervention is required at a specific work station.

3DSSPP and ErgoImager

WHAT DOES IT DO?

This is a three dimensional software package that can be used to translate two dimensional photographs into three dimensional human mannequins. The software calculates the predicted musculoskeletal forces in the various joints of the body as well as giving an indication of whether or not they are within acceptable limits.

Assessment of: Musculoskeletal forces and torques

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The ErgoImager software package allows you to accurately translate a two dimensional photograph into a three dimensional mannequin in the appropriate working posture. The 3DSSPP software then calculates the forces involved by taking the load being moved into account as well as the direction the load is being moved in.

K4b2 SYSTEM

WHAT DOES IT DO?
The K4b2 is a portable ergospirometry system whose mobility, low weight, stable sensors, easy operation and integrated telemetry system show its advantages over other conventional stationary methods. The system provides all data needed for a complete function analysis of the lungs, heart, circulation and metabolism under varying conditions.

Assessment of: Energy expenditure

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The K4b2 base unit contains the complete electronics for measuring and processing of physiological responses during a given period. The main parts of the processing unit consist of several microprocessors; in addition several sensors and mechanical components are controlled by these microprocessors. The face mask with the head cap assembly is used together with the Triple-V volume transducer for the defined exchange of the expiratory gas with the base unit.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THE DATA?
The K4b2 provides test results measured under real conditions and avoids the need for expensive simulation setup. It is important to those involved in sports science, ergonomics and occupational health. Data can be used to optimize training programmes or working conditions. The data can also be used by cardiologists or those involved in rehabilitation.

MEGA EMG SYSTEM

WHAT DOES IT DO?
The Mega ME3000P Electromyography System is a portable, small size microcomputer, which functions as a collection and recording unit with independent storage capability. By means of recording electrodes applied directly to the skin over superficial muscles, the system measures electrical activity (EMG).

Assessment of: Muscular activity

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Measured data is registered using state-of-the-art amplification technology, in which the amplifier is connected directly to the grounding electrode. This effectively eliminates movement and environmental noise artifacts. Muscle activity is collected by a bipolar configuration and the data may be stored on a SRAM card or can be downloaded to a computer via an interface.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THE DATA?
Electromyography profiles are extremely important to the understanding of human movement in ergonomics, sports science and rehabilitation settings. By examining the resulting EMG profile, amplitude and mean activity can be calculated over a defined time period. This will provide the user with an understanding of the temporal events of muscle sequencing, an estimation of the muscle load and within certain limits, the power produced by the muscle. Employing proprietary software, the user can examine the signal's frequency content and its changes under load. This will provide the researcher with an estimation of the level and rate of fatigue of the muscle.

VIENNA TEST SYSTEM (VTS)

WHAT DOES IT DO?
The Vienna test system (VTS) enables the computer-assisted application of a large number of highly diverse psychodiagnostic tests and measuring procedures, such as speed and efficiency of responses.

Assessment of: Reaction time, abstract thinking, concentration and mental ability

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The VTS supports the administration of both single tests and test batteries. Every test starts with a set of instructions for the subject displayed on the screen. This is followed by a practice phase and then a testing phase. The test phase may be scored immediately following completion.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF THE DATA?
From the evaluation of the measurable output one is able to infer the mental agility of the subject, for example, following a test of reaction time. Testing under different laboratory conditions, for example with noise/distractions can be used to assess the efficiency of the subject when placed under more pressure.

Journal subscriptions

The HKE departmental library and the Rhodes Univeristy library hold an encylopaedic collection of historical and contemporary journals in the field.

• Applied Ergonomics
• British Journal of Sports Medicine
• Ergonomics
• Ergonomics in Design (from 2006)
• ergonomics SA - Journal of the Ergonomics Society of South Africa
• Human Factors
• International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics (current full text on line)
• International Journal of Occupational Safety & Ergonomics
• Journal of Biomechanics (from 2006 on line)
• Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation (current full text on line)
• Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
• Journal of Sports Sciences
• Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
• Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
• Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics (from 2006)
• Work and Stress

The following post-dated journals are available in the Library:

• Achper National Journal
• American Journal of Physical Anthropology
• American Journal of Sports Medicine
• Australian Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
• Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences
• Clinical Biomechanics
• Clinics in Sports Medicine
• Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
• Human Biology
• Human Ergology
• Human Movement Science
• International Journal of Sport Biomechanics
• International Journal of Sport Psychology
• International Review for the Sociology of Sport
• Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• Journal of Applied Physiology
• Journal of Human Movement Studies
• Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
• Journal of Sports Behavior
• Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Journal of Occupational and Environmental medicine
• Motor Skills Theory into Practice
• New Zealand Journal of Health, Physical Education and Recreation
• Perceptual and Motor Skills
• Psychophysiology
• Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
• Scandinavian Journal of Work and Environment and Health
• South African Journal of Sports Medicine
• Spine
• Sports Medicine
• Sport Psychologist
• The Physician and Sports Medicine

The Main library has numerous books associated with HKE, for a full list please see the file attached:
HKE library books