Advancing Research through Collaborative & Novel Technology: The Sensor Lab at the University of Arizona
By Jonathan S. Lee-Confer, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Arizona, Director of Biomechanics, Verum Biomechanics, Vice Chair of Research, ASTM International F13.40|Secretary General, Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition
The frontiers of scientific research are rapidly evolving and driven by technological advancements fostering collaboration and innovation. At the forefront of this transformation is the Sensor Lab at the University of Arizona. The Sensor Lab is a unique facility that integrates cutting-edge sensor-based technology with a collaborative research environment that is open to all faculty. This article explores how the Sensor Lab is revolutionizing research methodologies and outcomes, particularly in the field of biomechanics and slip and falls, by leveraging technologies such as insole plantar pressure measurement, wireless electromyography (EMG), inertial measurement units (IMUs), and electroencephalography (EEG).
As technology continues to advance, I can see the Sensor Lab’s model of collaboration and innovation becoming a blueprint for research institutions worldwide, driving the next wave of scientific discoveries.
The Traditional Research Paradigm
Traditionally, research laboratories have operated in silos, each led by a principal investigator with a dedicated team of students. While this model has been effective in certain contexts, it often results in segmented and isolated work. Researchers are limited by the expertise and equipment available within their specific labs, which can hinder interdisciplinary collaboration and the ability to address complex scientific questions comprehensively.
The Sensor Lab: A New Model of Collaboration
The Sensor Lab at the University of Arizona breaks away from this traditional paradigm by providing an open, collaborative space where any faculty member can access state-of-the-art technology. This inclusive approach not only democratizes access to advanced research tools but also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, leading to more rigorous and innovative scientific inquiries.
Technological Advancements in the Sensor Lab
The Sensor Lab is equipped with a plethora of advanced technologies that enhance the precision and scope of research. Relevant to Dr. Lee-Confer’s work, these are some examples of key technologies utilized in the lab:
Wireless Insole Plantar Pressure Measurement:
These sensors, which can be slipped into a shoe, measure the forces exerted on the sole of the foot during various activities. In the context of slip incidents, they provide data on when a slip incident first begins.
Wireless Electromyography (EMG):
Wireless EMG systems monitor muscle activation in real-time, providing data on how soon muscles respond during a slip incident. This technology helps researchers understand the neuromuscular strategies employed to maintain balance and prevent falls.
Wireless Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs):
IMUs are used to track the motion and orientation of the human body by capturing detailed information about movements during slip incidents. By analyzing this data, researchers can study the biomechanics of slipping and develop interventions to reduce fall risk.
Wireless Electroencephalography (EEG):
EEG technology measures brain activity, allowing researchers to determine when the brain detects a slip and initiates motor commands to regain balance. This insight is crucial for understanding the cognitive processes involved in slip detection and response.
Case Study: Understanding Slips and Falls
Researchers at the Sensor Laboratory are combining these technologies to investigate the sequence of events during a slip incident. Participants are fitted with insole plantar pressure sensors, wireless EMG electrodes, IMUs, and EEG caps. The comprehensive whole-body neuromuscular data allows the research team to map out the entire process of slipping, from the initial loss of traction to the brain’s detection of the slip and the motor response.
The findings show a rapid decrease in forces in the insole plantar pressures, followed by immediate movements of the arms and legs generated by muscle activation and detected by the EMG. The IMUs tracked the compensatory body movements, while the EEG provided real-time data on brain activity, showing when and how the brain responded to the slip. This multi-faceted approach offers a comprehensive understanding of human behavior during a slip incident, highlighting the intricate interplay between sensory input, cognitive processing, and motor output.
Taking Research Out of the Laboratory and Into Natural Environments
The typical laboratory setting involves a laboratory built on the University campus where participants in studies travel to. With the wireless sensors, the researchers can go to the participants and this has wide applications. For example, people at skilled nursing facilities may have difficulty getting to a laboratory to participate in biomechanical studies. Instead, the biomechanics instrumentation (EMG, IMUs, EEG, etc.) can be brought to the location of the participant. Technology is allowing the expansion of studies to be conducted, which will lead to more generalizable studies that will impact the community.
Conclusion
The Sensor Lab at the University of Arizona exemplifies how technological advancements and collaborative environments can transform research. By providing access to state-of-the-art sensors and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the lab enables researchers to conduct more rigorous science and address deeper questions. As technology continues to advance, I can see the Sensor Lab’s model of collaboration and innovation becoming a blueprint for research institutions worldwide, driving the next wave of scientific discoveries.