About the Photos

Preventing Sports Injuries

Researchers who aim to prevent sports injuries utilize sophisticated technology to study electromyography, muscle force production, human movement, and metabolic requirements during simulated athletic tasks and functional movement.
Here a researcher at the Neuromuscular Research Lab observes a subject at a rowing machine. While he watches, the reflection of infrared light off of retroreflective markers are picked up by specialized infrared cameras placed throughout the lab. The result is a computer-generated three-dimensional image of the rower, along with graphs and charts that analyze his movement. Researchers use that data to pinpoint—and ideally prevent—possible long-term injuries.

The Neuromuscular Research Lab is part of the UPMC Sports Medicine complex on Pittsburgh’s South Side.