Acquisition of a System of Instruments for the Measurement and Analysis of Human Multi-Joint Movement Control

This request is for an integrated system of state-of-the art instruments for recording and analyzing human multi-joint movement. These instruments will enable simultaneous measurement of movement kinematics (position-time functions), kinetics (forces), and muscle activity patterns. The system will be used for both research and research training related to the control of human posture and movement. The focus of the research activities will d the control of goal-directed arm reaching movements and associated postural adjustments. However, the system will also support work on other multi-joint behaviors including gait and balance control. In addition to instruments for measuring kinematics, kinetics and electormyographic (emg) activity, the system will include a device for servo- controlling the forces exerted hand during arm movements and for controlling the visual information available to the subject during visually guided reaches.