Human Functional Performance Laboratory

An important part of the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science's emerging musculoskeletal research agenda includes the operation of a state of the art laboratory for the assessment of human functional performance. This includes the assessment of muscular strength and range of motion, joint laxity, postural stability and pulmonary function integral to human movement and function. Instrumentation is utilized in the study of rehabilitative and other therapeutic interventions directed towards the treatment of illness or injury and the associated physical impairments or functional limitations. A BIODEX computerized dynamometer provides for the assessment of muscle performance in isokinetic, isometric and isotonic modes. Posturography is assessed with the BIODEX Balance System SD force platform and joint laxity via the Medmetric KT-2000 ligament laxity arthrometer. Physiological data during activity is collected via a PhysioDyne metabolic cart and integrated treadmill system or COSMED K4b2 portable metabolic system designed to measure gas exchange on a true breath by breath basis, which enables the unconstrained recording of over 30 physiological responses during very fast and brief events. A Grass stimulator and Noraxon Myosystem 12 channel EMG are available for isolated muscle performance study. The laboratory is adjacent to the USF Physical Therapy Center, which provides easy access for patients enrolled in various clinical trials.

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