We have a large array of lab-based and field-based equipment appropriate for occupational exposure assessment, movement analysis, and ergonomic measurements.  This page describes our current capabilities, but we may be able to expand our capacity through collaboration.

You can see video of the Ergonomics Lab in action on asegment of FarmGate agricultural news program: Grand Opening of the Ergonomics Lab at the University of Saskatchewan. May 2016.  (Interview starts at 6:38 on the video)

These systems are housed within the lab and can be used for simulation studies and experimental designs.

10-camera Vicon Motion Capture System & Force Measurement

We have a 10 camera VICON 3-dimensional motion capture system (T40-S), 1 Bonita camera (720C), and a 64 channel analog to digital (A/D) interface unit (Vicon Motion Systems, Oxford, UK). We also have a Bertec force plate embedded flush with the floor, with 2 Bertec force cubes (PY6) (Bertec, Columbus, Ohio, USA).  Together, the VICON and Bertec systems can be combined to facilitate comprehensive explorations into human movement and function, such as measuring both upper and lower extremity joint kinematics and kinetics.

EMG

We have a Delsys Trigno Wireless EMG System with 12 wireless surface electrodes (Delsys Inc., Massachusetts, USA). This system allows for non-invasive assessment of the activation of superficial muscles. The system is completely wireless (no participant-pack or data-logger required!), meaning that the system can be applied to a variety of work contexts, and study participants have complete freedom of movement. EMG provides a unique type of biomechanical assessment and no feasible alternative methods currently exist for assessing muscle activity. In addition, each Delsys sensor contains a tri-axial accelerometer, which is useful for measuring body segment positions concurrently with EMG. At full functionality, we can measure 64 channels of data (16 EMG + 48 acceleration). Data can be acquired by dedicated Delsys software (EMGworks) or alternatively through common third party data acquisition systems. In the Ergonomics Laboratory, EMG data is seamlessly synchronized with motion capture, force transducer, and force platform data through Vicon Nexus software. The sensors are suitable for long-duration use (up to 8 hours).

Rotopod Programmable Vibration Robot

Our high-precision hexapod robot has 6-axes with a table capacity of approximately 1000 lbs (R-3000 Rotopod, Mikrolar, Hampton, NH, USA). It is currently equipped with an ATV frame and surrounding protective cage to replicate field-based measurements of whole-body vibration collected on Saskatchewan farms. We are conducting a series of lab-based studies with the robot to determine the effects of whole-body vibration from agricultural equipment on biomechanics and human performance.  In an upcoming project, the robot will be equipped with a tractor cab fora  study evaluating the effects of vibration on tractor egress.

Hand Dynamometer

The microFET2 is a wireless, digital, handheld dynamometer (microFET2, Hoggan Scientific LLC, Salt Lake City, UT). This dynamometer has the ability to measure peak force and duration, and is intended for use during manual muscle testing activities, such as when participants perform a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for normalizing EMG. The microFET2 can measure up to 300 lbs of force in 0.1 lb increments, and can report values in units of pounds, Newtons, or kilogram-force.

These systems are robust and portable and appropriate for measurement in working environments outside the lab.  

XSens Awinda Inertial Measurement Unit system

We have an XSens Motion Tracking System consisting of 17 Awinda IMUs, assorted straps, bands, and clothing for placement, a USB dongle, and a control station (XSens Technologies, Enschede, the Netherlands). This portable inertial measurement unit system is used for posture and movement monitoring in lab, occupational, and clinical settings. The Awinda sensors are small (4.7 x 3.0 x 1.3 cm), with good battery life (6.5 hours). MT Manager is used for data collection.

Whole-body vibration assessment system

The whole body vibration array is comprised of up to five, 8-channel DataLOG data-loggers (MWX8, Biometrics Ltd.); four tri-axial accelerometers (Series 2A); two inertial measurement units (IMUs); BNC adapters; an external trigger; and a vibration calibrator (Biometrics Ltd, Newport, UK). The system allows for 3-dimensional assessment of vibrations at the vehicle floor as well as at the seat and at the operator’s head to examine the vibration attenuation offered by the seat and compare vibration exposures across different types of agricultural machinery. Biometrics Data Management Software 9.0.1, Biometrics Analysis Software 9.0.1, and VATs Analysis Software are used for field-based vibration data analysis.

Hand arm vibration assessment system

Filmography/Photography

We have two camcorders with spare high capacity batteries, chargers, memory cards, and monopods for filming working exposures (SX45 SD, Sony). Video data can be analyzed later in Noldus observer and Nvivo 10 software. In addition, we have a digital SLR camera (EOS Rebel T1i, Canon).