OUR EQUIPMENT
Looking to collaborate with the Centre?
We welcome local, national, or international researchers from:
- Academic institutions
- Industry
- Government
Look through our CFI-funded infrastructure on the Research Facilities Navigator
Biomedical Engineering
MATERIALS TESTING SYSTEM
Instron, ElectroPuls E 10000 Linear-Torsion
Key specifications:
Linear Dynamic Capacity: ±10,000 N (±2,250 lbf)
Torsion Capacity: ±100 Nm (±800 in-lb)
Linear Stroke: 60mm (2.36 in)
Rotation: ±135° as standard
Cardiovascular and Resistance Equipment
ISOKINETIC DYNAMOMETER
Biodex, System 4 Pro
The Biodex is a multi-mode computerized robotic measuring instrument designed to measure muscle strength. It measures muscle strength by applying constant resistance against muscles in repetitive motions quickly and as powerfully as possible.
If test results show muscle weakness (compared with your same age and sex comparison group) strengthening exercises may be prescribed. The test may be repeated periodically to monitor how strength is improving as a result of a strength training intervention program.
We use the Biodex:
- to assess strength of muscles around joints
- as part of a rehabilitation exercise to improve the strength of various joints
- There are 5 modes that can be used: Isokinetic Resistance, Reactive Eccentric, Passive Motion, Isometric, Isotonic
PORTABLE GAIT ANALYSIS SYSTEM
CIR System Inc. GAITRite System
The GAITRite measures how a person walks. It measures gait patterns for both time (temporal) and space (spatial) through pressure sensors in the mat. The software changes the information into foot placement patterns and overall gait patterns.
Research participants can be assessed with or without shoes and using walking aids such as crutches, walkers, or canes. One example: we create a simulated crosswalk scenario and ask participants to carry different loads (a full grocery bag or an open umbrella) to measure changes in gait and balance patterns.
We use the GAITRite:
- to provide valid and reliable walking measurements such as footfall patterns, step length, cadence, and speed.
- to measure changes in walking or gait patterns through replication of real life scenarios.
AIR-RESISTANCE FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Keiser
Models: Models accommodating seated leg curl, seated calf, lateral pull down, arm curl, triceps, upper back
- accommodates a wide range of users and is particularly ideal for older populations
- allows researchers to compare the response of muscle and bone and their integration in response to various loading regimens and to identify the optimal exercise prescription for bone health
MOTION CAPTURE SYSTEM
NDI, Optotrak Certus
- a research-grade motion capture system
- maximum flexibility for motion capture applications through its unsurpassed accuracy, high-speed marker frequency, portable design, and virtually wireless marker option
- maximum marker frequency of 4600 Hz that tracks up to 512 markers
FORCE PLATFORM
Novotec Medical, Leonardo
- dynamic measurement of ground reaction forces with respect to spatial resolution
- easy to use and to instruct, fast application and at the same time high reproducibility due to the utilised everyday motions
| Training area dimensions (l/w/h) | 660 x 660 x 70 mm |
| Sampling rate per sensor | 800 Hz |
| ADC resolution | 16 bit |
| Max. force per sensor | ca. 2 kN |
| Supported Test Types and Assessments | s2LJ, m1LJ, m2LJ, CRT, BAss, DJ, LT, RT, TRT, BT, TpTs, TpTc, ST, LST, IF |
FUNCTIONAL NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY
NIRx, NIRSport2
Functional near infrared spectroscopy is a non-invasive system that can be used to measure the amount of blood oxygen changes. It assesses the changes in absorption of light emitted by the probes in the cap. While this system can be used for different tissues (muscle, tendons), our system is specifically for measuring brain activation. Our system is portable and mobile, so we can tell what parts of the brain are being used during tasks such as reaching or walking.
We use this system to:
- understand the recovery of the brain after a traumatic brain injury or stroke or changes with aging
- determine whether our treatments are affecting the function of the brain
DUAL-BELT TREADMILL
Motek Medical, M-Gait
Motek Dual-belt Treadmill is a unique treadmill that has two belts, one under each leg that can be set at different speeds or different directions. When the two belts are not running evenly, this disturbs the walking pattern of a person. Healthy people can usually adjust to these perturbations with ease, but this is not the case for people who may have walking difficulties due to disease or aging.
We use the Dual-belt treadmill combined with an overhead safety harness:
- to assess the coordination of walking and how people learn to adapt their walking patterns
- to understand how injury, disease or aging affects the coordination of walking
Histology and Microscopy
UPRIGHT WIDE FIELD MICROSCOPE SYSTEM
Zeiss, Zeiss Axiophot
Upright Wide Field Microscope System (Zeiss, Zeiss Axiophot)
FLUORESCENCE STEREO ZOOM MICROSCOPE
Zeiss, Axio Zoom.V16
Fluorescence Stereo Zoom Microscope (Zeiss, Axio Zoom.V16)
MICROTOME
Leica, RM2235
Manufacturer: Leica
Manual Rotary Microtome
CRYOSTAT
Leica, CM1850
Manufacturer: Leica
Used for cryosectioning in biomedical, neuro-anatomical and pharmaceutical research.
Medical Imaging
PERIPHERAL QUANTITATIVE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Stractec, XCT 300
Model: xCT 3000, xCT 2000 (Medical Imaging Suites)
Model: xCT 3000 (Mobile Research Laboratory)
- measures cortical and trabecular volumetric bone mineral density and structure
- determines bone strength
3D ULTRASOUND
Ultrasonix, SonixRP
- a diagnostic ultrasound system packaged with an Ultrasound Research Interface (URI)
- has the ability to run transducer prototyping, low-level ultrasound beam sequencing and control, development of commercial ultrasound applications running on the Sonix platform
C-ARM FLUOROSCOPE
Siemens, Arcadis Orbic 3D
- for intra-operative use in orthopaedics and trauma surgery, such as 3D imaging of bones and joints of the lower and upper extremities, entire spine, hip, as well as oral and maxilliofacial applications
- located in our Biomedical Engineering Laboratory
HIGH RESOLUTION MICRO CT SYSTEM
Scanco, µCT35
- high-resolution, non-destructive 3D imaging of specimens in vitro
- studies a variety of materials ranging from bone and scaffolds to concrete
HIGH RESOLUTION PERIPHERAL QUANTITATIVE COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY
Scanco, XtremeCT HR-pQCT
The HR-pQCT evaluates bones down to the level of the tiny individual elements that nature configures in a way that makes bones as strong as possible. HR-pQCT measures bone density and quantifies the three dimensional geometry, strength and microarchitecture of bone at the lower arm (radius) and lower leg (tibia).
HR-pQCT is a research tool—not currently used in clinical practice. It goes beyond current clinical methods and assesses bone microstructure to provide new insights into bone strength and why some bones are more susceptible to fracture.
At the Centre we use the HR-pQCT:
- to measure the bone mineral density of the forearm and lower leg
- to assess the geometry, strength, and microstructure of bone in 3-dimensions
DUAL-ENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY
Hologic, Discovery
The DXA is the gold standard clinical instrument used to evaluate body composition and bone mineral density. The analysis compares your values to a large database of healthy individuals to provide you two “scores”—the T-score and the Z-score.
WHAT DOES A DXA SCAN TELL US?
The T-score compares your results with healthy young adults and the Z-score compares your results with individuals of the same age and sex. The DXA is also a powerful clinical instrument used to diagnose osteoporosis.
The Advanced Body Composition assessment feature produces colour images displaying the distribution of fat, lean mass, bone and fat mass index. The information is translated into an easy-to-interpret report for improved patient management and counseling.
Is it possible to book the DXA for a research project?
Yes, staff at the Centre would be happy to address any questions you may have, discuss potential applications for the DXA, and work with you to coordinate your project.
Please contact us at aging.smart@ubc.ca.
Who can use the DXA?
Local, national, or international Researchers from:
- Academic institutions
- Industry
- Government
The primary use of the DXA is for health research, however researchers in other fields are welcome to submit a project proposal.
WE USE THE DXA
- to assess hip and spine bone mineral content and density.
- to evaluate total body, bone, fat and muscle mass.