MedStar Health Opens Cutting Edge Innovation in Motion Laboratory in Baltimore

Motion analysis technology at MedStar Union Memorial takes the science of rehabilitation to a new level.

BALTIMORE— MedStar Health opened its most advanced biomechanics research facility, Innovation in Motion Laboratory, known as iMo Lab, at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital April 8th, where state-of-the-art motion capture technology, including high-speed cameras and virtual reality, will reach new heights in the science of analyzing human motion during rehabilitation.

The visually mind-blowing 2,700 square-foot state-of-the-art site combines engineering, kinesiology, medicine and neuroscience to develop evidence-based approaches to rehabilitation for patients who suffer conditions that inhibit motion and cognitive function, such as from stroke or injury.

“The technology we have in the iMo Lab is a game-changer for our work to improve orthopedic care and create new knowledge on gait patterns, balance, and restoration of motor functions,” said Dario Martelli, Ph.D., MedStar Health’s senior research scientist for orthopedics and sports medicine research. “We look forward to exploring new treatment approaches and novel surgical procedures to better understand how the human body moves and collectively advancing musculoskeletal research.”

The iMo Lab is equipped with advanced tools and systems for motion analysis, biomechanics, robotics, rehabilitation, and more, aimed at:

• Understanding the neural and biomechanical basis of balance and locomotion
• Developing low-cost screening tests and diagnostic tools for movement disorder
• Developing solutions to improve the ability to move freely Technologies for Movement

Located on the 6th floor of MedStar Union Memorial’s 33rd Street Building, the interactive facility will use an immersive system for gait and balance analysis, integrating virtual reality, motion capture, and force platforms.

Among its groundbreaking technologies are:

GRAIL: The Gait Real-time Interactive Laboratory is a total package solution for gait analysis and balance training. It can systematically control the physical, visual, and audio environments while motion is recorded. It integrates a 2DOF motion base, a split-belt treadmill, an immersive virtual reality environment, a belt projector, two 3D force platforms, a 3D motion capture system, and control software.

Delsys Trigno EMG sensors: A 16-channell system that measures and wirelessly transmits surface electromyography signals. The system is capable of streaming data digitally into EMGworks®, third-party software, or via analog outputs for integration with motion capture and other third-party data acquisition systems.

Xsens MVN Awinda: Motion capture system with 17 wireless inertial sensors fitted on the body with adjustable straps. It supports fast, easy, and reliable motion capture and it can be used in a wide variety of applications, including workplace ergonomics, rehabilitation and injury prevention, animation, entertainment, biomechanical science, and human factor research. It allows for real-time visualization of full body kinematic data – e.g., joint angles, segment orientations, center of mass and joint centers position.

Vicon Motion Capture System: Includes 12-Camera Vero system and Nexus Software. Vicon is the global leader in optical motion capture hardware and software. Vero cameras have 2.2 Megapixel optical camera at 330 Hz featuring submillimeter precision.

Solo-Step Overhead Track: A Solo-step fall protection track is used to ensure safety while performing overground gait analysis. Users wear a harness which attaches to a 360-degree swivel lanyard that connects to a high-performance trolley. The trolley inserts into a heavy-duty 15’ by 22’ oval track allowing patients to move around the room.

HTC Virtual Reality Kit: Includes a virtual reality headset, four base stations, four controllers, wireless adapter, and three wearable trackers. High-end professional-oriented VR headset features a resolution of 1440 x 1600 per eye, refresh rate of 120 Hz, field of view of 100 degrees, up to 10m by 10m working area using precision tracking with laser base stations. The wireless adapter allows moving around the room without being connected with cables. VR platforms developed in Unity 3D are aimed at investigating modifications and adaptations of spatiotemporal gait parameters and cognitive performance during overground walking, navigation, dual motor tasks, visual feedback, and visual perturbations.

Bertec Force Platforms: Two portable and two fixed Bertec multi-axis force platforms are used for quantifying human gait and balance. High levels of accuracy for measuring Center of Pressure, forces and moments, as well as dramatic reductions in crosstalk. 

Humac Norm Isokinetic Dynamometer: A HUMAC NORM isokinetic dynamometer is used to measure joint torque while controlling the speed of the movement. It can provide peak torque, angle-specific torque, and work. It offers 22 isolated-joint movement patterns and four resistance modes (isokinetic, isotonic, isometric, and passive).