Improve movement, boost performance
Biomechanics is the study of the human body and how it moves in mechanical terms.
In our Biomechanics laboratory, students, and researchers explore how exercise can help us understand how our bodies work – from what the limits of human endurance are, to how they're affected by chronic health conditions. In the area of Sport Science, the lab is also used to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
Based within the School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences, research conducted in the laboratory has been funded by high-profile organisations, including the Olympic Studies Centre, the UK Fire and Rescue Service, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Premier League.
The Biomechanics Lab is used extensively by our Research Group in Breast Health.
Courses using this facility include Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons), Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc (Hons) and Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc. For a more extensive list, please use our course search.
Explore our Biomechanics Laboratory
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Experience cutting-edge biomechanics technology
Learn to optimise movement and performance in our advanced lab.
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Work with advanced equipment
Access resources equipped to push the boundaries of research and innovation.
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Gain precise measurements and insightful research
Harness the capabilities of our advanced biomechanics lab to enhance your skills.
Read lessEquipment and amenities
The Biomechanics laboratory opens into a sports hall, allowing sufficient space to collect data on a wide range of sporting activities.
Equipment and facilities include:
- A 16-camera Oqus automated tracking system incorporating 3 high speed (1000 Hz, full resolution) cameras (Qualysis, Sweden)
- Two Kistler 9281C force plates that can be mounted in different configurations in the laboratory, with additional floor mountings in the sports hall and dance studio
- Tekscan portable pressure plates and software
- An 8-channel online or 8-channel wireless Electromyography (EMG) system for measuring the electrical activity in response to a nerve's stimulation of the muscle
- Timing gates and Optojump system
- iPads and iSense handheld 3D scanner
- Goniometers, or sensors, designed to measure angular limb movement
- Force transducers and accelerometers (1000 Hz), which measure acceleration forces
- Visual 3D and MatLab software, used to analyse motion, force and EMG data (for estimating joint moments and creating musculoskeletal models)
Contact us
If you're interested in our biomechanics facilities, please contact us:
Phone: (023) 9284 5163
Email: sports.science@port.ac.uk
Related facilities
Dr Alex Milligan Research Laboratory
A flexible work space featuring a Polhemus motion tracking system for tracking athletes' movement in 3D and a DEXA scanner for measuring body fat.
Physiology Laboratory
This lab includes treadmills, a swim bench, ergometers and a physiological monitoring kit for analysing athletes' blood, heart rate, and urine.
Sports and Human Performance Testing
Analyse sports performance and environmental physiology, and use some of the best extreme environments facilities in the UK.
Where to find us
Biomechanics Laboratory
Spinnaker Building
Cambridge Road
Portsmouth
PO1 2ER