The Infra Red cameras are used to assess the movement and performance of athletes under controlled laboratory conditions in both research and teaching. Activities routinely investigated include: rock climbing (the laboratory features an adjustable indoor climbing wall); running, and various throwing and kicking exercises, with a heavy duty net designed to catch missiles.
A moving camera grid, constructed from a series of 48mm aluminium tubes was assembled, featuring adjustable and fixed drop arms, Doughty barrel trolleys, and Manfrotto camera brackets. A significant benefit of this bespoke system is that floor space is maximized for experiments, whilst addressing the problem of being able to position cameras anywhere in the laboratory. Dr Messenger, Biomechanics Lecturer of ULISES commented: "The rig allows us a high degree of flexibility in camera placement without the encumbrance of bulky tripods. Once optimum camera positions have been set for a specific experiment they can be left in situ for longer, and increase efficiency of both the space and equipment usage."
(Ruth Rossington)
