Equipment: MRI: track 1: acquisition of a 3-dimensional motion capture system for graduate stem research and education

Federal Grant Award Summary

Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center received a $317,960 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems, under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041), awarded September 1, 2025, with a completion date of August 31, 2028. The award supports the acquisition and integration of a three-dimensional (3D) motion capture system for graduate-level STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) research and education across three colleges at Des Moines University's West Des Moines, Iowa campus.

The primary products and services delivered through this funding include the acquisition of advanced 3D motion analysis equipment and the development of comprehensive training and educational curriculum materials. These deliverables enable expanded movement science research in motion analysis, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal modeling while providing hands-on learning experiences for graduate and undergraduate students in the study of human movement and function. The project integrates cutting-edge motion capture technology into existing academic programs and develops workforce training for the next generation of health science and medical professionals. Additional services include enhanced outreach programming for high school and college students, interactive educational experiences using the motion capture system, and faculty-led research mentorship opportunities that prepare students to engage with advanced computer models of human motion for applications including injury rehabilitation and movement performance improvement.

Abstract

This project will enhance stem research and education by integrating a 3D motion analysis system into the research and curriculum of three colleges at DES moines university. The system will allow researchers to discover new ways to help persons with injuries or disabilities and improve movement performance of all people. In addition, the motion capture system will enhance high school and college outreach programs. Training will be developed to prepare the next generation of scientists to engage with advanced computer models of human motion and function. Students will have the opportunity to interact with motion capture tools supported by faculty who will engage students in motion analysis research. This project will provide interactive experiences using cutting-edge 3D motion capture and analysis technology to improve their understanding of how the body moves, including the effects of abnormal or altered movement. The objectives of this interdisciplinary project are to: 1. Expand movement science research related to motion analysis, biomechanics, biomechanical data analysis, and musculoskeletal modeling; 2. Train the next generation of health science and medical professionals in applications of stem including biomechanical concepts and technology used to study human movement and function; and 3. Integrate hands-on learning experiences into curricula that enriches student understanding of biomechanical principles, technology, and computer science related to analysis and study of human movement and function. The project team will train a future workforce prepared by experiences with 3D motion capture to enhance the study of human movement. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.