Foot muscle activity and task difficulty
We are looking for a bachelor/master student of Movement Science with an interest in clinical biomechanics and the structures and activities of the foot. Experience with Qualisys is beneficial, however, not mandatory.
Background and aim
The feet contribute to maintaining balance and foot muscle activity has been shown to increase with increasing task difficulty. We have asked 15 people to perform the following tasks: 2 limb and 1 limb stance with eyes open and closed, 1 limb stance with finger support, Star excursion balance test (SEBT), and drop jumps. We have recorded the external force data (Kistler force plates) and body kinematics by means of Qualisys. The ground reaction forces, Centre of pressure and the kinematics of multiple body parts have been assessed, including the kinematics of 5 foot segments. Surface EMG has been assessed for one foot muscle (the hallux abductor as representative for all foot muscles), all leg muscles, several thigh and hip muscles.With the above data available, you may define your own research question.
Your assignment
You would help with the measurements in the OpenLab, including kinematic and kinetic motion tracking in Qualisys. You will also assist in the analysis of the datasets.
Possible Projects
BSc M12 Research Project, 5 CP
BSc M15 Bachelor Thesis (11 weeks, max 50 pages), 12 CP
MSc M06 Research Project, 5 CP
MSc M07 Work Experience, 11 CP
MSc M08 Master Thesis (max 80 pages) with disputation, 24 CP
What else do you need to know?
You will be working in the department of Movement Science located at Horstmarer Landweg 50 in Münster.