HUMAN MOVEMENT LABORATORY

The Instituto de Biomecánica (IBV) has a Human Movement Laboratory equipped with advanced technology for the biomechanical analysis of human activity.
The study of movement allows us to assess human performance as well as interaction with medical devices, exoskeletons, assistive products, and mobility aids.

This laboratory also collaborates with companies, clinical centers, and assistive technology developers to validate new products and devices and optimize their functionality.

The data obtained through movement analysis helps improve the design of products that interact with the human body, providing objective insights into their functionality, user acceptance, and adaptability.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR MOVEMENT ANALYSIS

The laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to accurately evaluate human body behavior under various conditions.

Key equipment includes:

Force platforms (Dinascan/IBV): Measure the ground reaction forces generated during movement.
3D photogrammetry system (Kinescan/IBV): Captures and analyzes motion in controlled environments using cameras and reflective markers to study biomechanical gestures across activities.
Accelerometry system: Sensors that measure body acceleration and vibration.
Goniometry: Devices for dynamic measurement of joint range of motion.
Thermal comfort analysis systems: Includes high-resolution thermographic cameras.
Inertial sensor system (XSens-motion): Inertial-based motion capture system with biomechanical analysis software.
Pressure sensors: Measure localized pressure points, such as during object gripping.
Electromyography (EMG): Real-time monitoring of muscle activity.
Dynamometers: Tools for measuring muscle strength across different muscle groups.
Pressure mapping mats (X-Sensor): Analyze pressure distribution on seats, backrests, and full body.
Inclinometry system: Measures joint angles using inclinometers.
Physiological signal recording system (PLUX): Multichannel acquisition platform for signals such as EMG, EDA, ECG, pressure, and breathing rate.

Gas analyzer (K4b2): Measures metabolic consumption during various physical activities.

The laboratory also uses IBV-developed technologies certified under the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745, designed to enable functional evaluation of various body structures, including:

NedLumbar/IBV: Biomechanical assessment of the lumbar spine.
NedCervical/IBV: Assessment of cervical spine mobility and stability.
NedHombro/IBV: Biomechanical analysis of the shoulder joint.
NedCodo/IBV: Functional analysis of the elbow.
NedAMHPlus/IBV: Gait assessment system.
NedSVE/IBV: Static and dynamic balance assessment and rehabilitation system.
NedRodilla/IBV: Assessment of knee stability and mobility.
NedMano/IBV: Functional biomechanical analysis of the hand.

Thanks to these systems, the laboratory provides detailed reports and objective data on functionality and biomechanical performance across various applications.

SERVICES AND APPLICATIONS OF THE HUMAN MOVEMENT LABORATORY

Thanks to its advanced technology, IBV’s Human Movement Laboratory offers key services for the evaluation and validation of medical devices, exoskeletons, and assistive technologies.

Biomechanical evaluation of implants and prostheses post-implantation

Biomechanical analysis to assess implant or prosthesis progression in the patient, including comparative studies.
Evaluation of patient biomechanical parameters to monitor progress over time and compare with non-pathological biomechanical patterns.
Design optimization based on biomechanical assessment.
Support for clinical decision-making and patient follow-up after surgery.
Post-market surveillance reports on implanted medical products.

Evaluation of Exoskeletons and Orthoses

Measurement of relative movement between the body and the exoskeleton.
Assessment of perceived comfort and thermal comfort.
Estimation of metabolic cost associated with exoskeleton use.
Advanced sensor integration and support in control system development.
Analysis of human–device interaction for customized fitting and performance.

Testing of Assistive Devices and Support Systems

Usability and ergonomic testing of assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, etc.).
Assessment of physical effort through heart rate, muscle fatigue (EMG), and muscle coordination.
Functional validation based on standardized clinical scales.

Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Studies

Evaluation of gait patterns and postural balance analysis.
Functionality assessment in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
Impact assessment of therapies and rehabilitation programs through quantifiable measurements.

These services are essential for medical device manufacturers, research centers, and rehabilitation clinics, ensuring that products meet biomechanical, ergonomic, and user satisfaction criteria

WHY CHOOSE IBV FOR HUMAN MOVEMENT ANALYSIS

IBV’s Human Movement Laboratory is a benchmark in applied biomechanics, offering a unique evaluation environment for the development and validation of assistive technologies and support products.

State-of-the-art infrastructure with advanced motion analysis technologies.
Multidisciplinary team of experts in biomechanics, motion analysis, human factors, and rehabilitation.
Focus on innovation and technology transfer, supporting companies in optimizing their products.
Testing in both clinical and non-clinical environments, ensuring realistic and applicable data.
Detailed analysis with technical recommendations to improve device functionality.

Contact our team

Discover how our laboratory can help you improve the functionality and validation of medical devices and exoskeletons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a human movement laboratory?

A human movement laboratory is a specialized environment where human motion is analyzed under different conditions. It focuses on studying movement patterns, forces, postures, and functional gestures using advanced technologies, with the aim of understanding, assessing, and optimizing the interaction between people and the products or systems they use.

What types of studies are conducted in a human movement laboratory?

A human movement laboratory conducts biomechanical and functional studies related to gait, posture, repetitive movements, balance, and physical effort. These studies make it possible to evaluate the impact of products, workstations, medical devices, or assistive solutions on real human movement.

What is the purpose of human movement analysis in product development?

Human movement analysis is used to validate designs, improve ergonomics, and reduce risks associated with the use of products or systems. These studies help identify overloads, inefficient movements, and potentially harmful situations, allowing design optimization before market launch or implementation.

What technologies are used in a human movement laboratory?

Human movement laboratories use technologies such as motion capture systems, force platforms, inertial sensors, electromyography (EMG), and biomechanical analysis tools. These technologies provide objective and precise data on how the human body moves in real or simulated scenarios.

Which European laboratory has experience in human movement studies?

The Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia (IBV) is a European laboratory with extensive experience in human movement analysis. IBV combines advanced technology with biomechanical expertise to support research, development, and product validation projects in fields such as healthcare, industry, and ergonomics.