Biomechanics Lab
School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science
Ball State University
e-mail address: eldugan@bsu.edu

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Muncie, Indiana may not seem like a hot bed of research but it is home to Ball State University, one of the United State’s premier science and technology research centers. Ranked by the Princeton Review as one of the best universities in the Midwest, Ball State is maintaining that position by diligently enhancing both the students’ and community’s relationship and experience with the school. Almost unexpectedly, Vicon motion capture technology is playing a large part in Ball State’s promising future.

Since 2003 Dr. Eric Dugan has headed the Biomechanics Lab at the School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science and is masterfully guiding undergrad and graduate students through the understanding of the mechanical and neuromuscular characteristics of human movement. A broad research agenda encompassing injury mechanisms, the
effectiveness of clinical intervention strategies, structural limitations, and the influence of both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) exercise protocols on various biomechanical aspects of human health and performance. This has led to several interdisciplinary collaborations within the university and the local medical community creating a wealth of opportunities for both student and school. The lab’s uniqueness lies within its ability to apply movement analysis to a variety of situations beyond the standard gait or rehabilitation applications.

ART OF THE BOW
In 2005, Dr. Dugan and Hans Sturm from the School of Music collaborated to create Art of the Bow with bassist François Rabbath, a groundbreaking DVD that records what is known as one of the world's "sweetest swings" through motion-capture technology and 3-D animated graphics. An innovative pedagogical tool that fuses art and science, the instructional DVD has earned accolades from musicians around the world.

Sturm, a bassist himself, has studied the legendary François Rabbath’s intricate bowing techniques for more than 5 years.  Following a coaching session in Paris, Sturm approached Dr. Dugan about a project to capture the subtleties of Rabbath’s renowned technique. Using a Vicon MX system, the team captured the nuances of the bassist’s fingers, wrist and bow arm to create a graphically, realistic, interactive teaching tool.  While traditional music publications or videos are limited to illustrations or photographs from a single viewpoint, the DVD's four camera angles enable a student to select viewing options that focus on an angle of particular interest.  As a result of the pioneering in-depth
study and its accompanying performances and interviews, the DVD has received international acclaim.

DIGITAL MEDIA
Dr. Dugan is also working with Ball State University’s Center for Media Design (CMD) on several projects outside the normal boundaries of a traditional exercise science program. The projects, still in the developmental phase, fall into two broad categories. First, the two groups are exploring ways to integrate the center’s eye-tracking and the biomechanics
laboratory’s motion capture capabilities.  This will provide the ability to better understand how visual stimuli affect an individual’s movement and postural control. Secondly, they are investigating the potential uses of motion capture in conjunction with the CMDs expertise in digital media to develop interactive learning environments for students in a variety of academic programs.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Midwest Health strategies Motion Analysis and Therapy Complex

Unique collaborations are not in short supply for Ball State University’s Biomechanics Lab. In May 2006, the Midwest Health Strategies Motion Analysis and Therapy Complex opened in partnership with Dr. Dugan’s lab, featuring a 1,500 square foot motion analysis facility.  Midwest Health Strategies, an affiliate of regional healthcare provider Cardinal
Health System, is the area’s most comprehensive provider of physical rehabilitation therapy services. As a result of the unique collaboration, the outpatient treatment and research facility is one of the first of its kind to open outside of a research hospital in a large, metropolitan community. “Two of our community’s very substantial resources have come
together once again to not only provide an outstanding and innovative service, but hopefully a model for others to follow in the delivery of healthcare.”, commented Midwest Health Strategies’ COO Gregg J. Altobella.  Created to provide unprecedented community access to innovative medical technology, the complex will also serve as an immersive learning experience for students. A 10 camera Vicon MX40 motion capture system provides critical rehabilitative data analysis as well as a hands-on learning. “It prepares students to work in healthcare related motion analysis facilities around the country,” said Dugan. “A few of our recent graduates who have worked in the campus lab have said that experience with

3-D technologies allowed them to move right in to a similar job after graduation.”

FUTURE
The collaborative and entrepreneurial nature of the biomechanics lab has built a strong foundation to provide both undergraduate and graduate students a unique, ‘hands on’ learning experience.  It has also expanded the lab’s capacity to engage in both clinical and sport/exercise research.  Some examples of the research taking place in the lab include studies to:

• compare functional outcomes
in patients following total hip
replacements via different
surgical techniques

• determine the metabolic and
muscular adaptations of cycling
with independent cranks

• determine the effects of simulated
golf on swing mechanics
and performance

• determine the effects of visual
feedback on skill acquisition in
beginning dance students

• the effect of repeated drop jumps
on landing strategies

For more information about the Ball State University’s Biomechanics Program please visit www.bsu.edu/biomechanics or contact Dr. Eric L. Dugan at eldugan@bsu.edu.