Measurement Tools
Motion capture systems: The motion capture systems will use small markers placed on a participant’s body to detect and record information about their movements. A mounting system will be incorporated into every lab so that a motion tracking system will be available in each.
Telemetry EMG (x2):Two wireless systems each measure and record 16 muscle sites and transmit this information by radio frequency waves up to 275 m away.
Ambulatory Micro EEG: A portable EEG system used to measure electrical brain activity at the scalp while participants perform various tasks.
Eye Tracker:This high resolution, head-mounted eye-tracking system can track eye movements at up to 360 Hz.
Gait analysis system:A mat with embedded sensors records and saves footfalls and different gait parameters such as, walking cadence, stride length and step width.
Ambulatory gas analyser:Measures gas exchange such as oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, and ventilation and anaerobic thresholds.
Ambulatory cardiovascular measurement device: This system is a vest worn by participants and collects data using respiratory bands (to measure pulmonary function) and ECG recordings (to measure electrical activity of the heart). It also tracks and records posture and physical activity. Optional peripheral devices can monitor EEG, skin temperature, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure and galvanic skin response.
Microphones: Two microphones will be installed in each lab and can be used to record verbal responses or reactions during various experimental tasks.
Accelerometers and Load Cells:These devices will be attached to objects within the simulator and, for example, can be used to trigger an event when contact is made with an object (e.g. when grasping a doorknob or a handrail).
Analog/Digital trigger inputs: Various input devices will be available to record different participant response measures, and will include joysticks or other potentiometers, button boxes, steering wheel, etc.
Force Plates:Nine large force plates measuring 1.2 m x 1.2 m each will be shared between the Falls Lab (see below) and the StairsLab and four smaller force plates will be mounted under the treads of the instrumented staircase.
