How the human body moves. Measured, modeled, understood.
BioMov combines clinical and engineering expertise to study gait, posture, and sports biomechanics to advance disease prevention and rehabilitation.
BioMovLab is a cutting-edge research facility at the University of Padua, based within the Department of Information Engineering. Directed by Prof. Zimi Sawacha, the laboratory specializes in the quantitative study of human biomechanics, bridging engineering, medicine, and technology.
Eight areas. One field.
From clinical gait analysis to computational models and measurement tools.
Markerless technology
Movement analysis without physical markers.
Gait and posture analysis
Motion analysis in clinic and research.
Neuromusculoskeletal modeling
Computational models of muscles and joints.
Foot biomechanics
Foot function and loading.
Biomechanical tools
Tools and software for biomechanics.
Sport
Performance and injury prevention.
Integrated systems
Combined measurement systems.
Finite element models
Simulation of tissues and structures.
Conditions We Study
Applying bioengineering to understand and prevent neuromuscular & musculoskeletal disorders.
The Gait Lab. Where movement becomes data.
Motion analysis can be done by means of state-of-the-art measurement tools.
Motion capture cameras
High-speed optoelectronic cameras record 3D kinematics in real time.
Force & pressure platforms
Measure ground reaction forces and dynamic plantar pressure distribution.
Electromyography (sEMG)
Wireless surface electromyography records precise muscle activation patterns.
Publications & Research Impact. Data and recent papers.
Scientific output from the BioMov Lab across international journals and conferences.
EMG analysis across different tasks improves prevention screenings in diabetic foot subjects
Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing · Z. Sawacha, A. Guiotto, F. Spolaor et al.
Effects of Rapid Palatal Expansion on Chewing Biomechanics in Children with Malocclusion
Sensors Journal · F. Spolaor, A. Guiotto, Z. Sawacha et al.
Neuromusculoskeletal modeling in gait analysis of neurological and orthopedic patients
ESMAC / SIAMOC Proceedings · BioMov Lab Team