Below, I have
provided some details about the
equipment and methods that we use in the group.Picture Details ![]()
Vicon Motion Analysis (200HZ and 800HZ)
The
system works by recording the position of markers placed on a moving
body part. Infra red light is emitted from the white diodes around the
lens and the cameras record the reflection of the light from the placed
reflective markers. Prior to recording, a calibration frame is used so
that camera positions (relative to the calibration frame; XYZ) can be
measured. Using this detail, the three dimensional coordinates of any
markers viewed by two or more synchronised cameras can be calculated.
Polhemus Motion
Analysis 240HZ
The
system works by creating a magnetic field within a work space.
Electrical markers are placed on a moving
body part. When these markers move across the magnetic field, a
distortion in the field occurs. From this, the system is able to
calculate the three dimensional coordinates of up to four
markers within the work space.
MagStim
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
The
system
works by creating a magnetic field around a coil and using the focus of
field to activate the brain. We use the method in two ways: (i) to
measure modulation of the brain to muscle pathway (i.e., primary motor
cortex to muscle); (ii) to measure the pathways used in perception and
action.
Delsys Elecromygraphy
(EMG)
The EMG electrodes simply measure nerve
electrical activity in the muscles. We use system in combination with
TMS to measure changes in the muscle from brain activity.
Phillips Achieva MRI scanner
Simply, the MRI scanner measures different
aspects of the brain. We use the system in three ways: (i) fMRI - measuring brain activity while
participants conduct a behavioural task (i.e., perception, action etc.);
(ii) MRI - to measure brain volume and structure (e.g., for measuring
reductions with age); (iii) DTI - for measuring neuron diffusion which
can reduce following brain injury.