Centre for Human Structural and Functional Research

This research centre consists of four well-equipped scientific laboratories focused on studying human motion, in all its aspects, from research at the molecular level (genetic, biochemical research) to systemic physiological and kinesiological research.

The research is focused mainly on athletes, both professionals and amateurs, at every stage of their sports career. The potential of the Center is also used by entrepreneurs whose products and services are related to human motion and well-being (dietary, pharmaceutical, footwear or chemical business) as well as healthcare companies.

Biochemistry Laboratory carries out research on:

  • selected issues of athletes’ energy metabolism,
  • analysis of selected parameters of the players’ white blood cell system,
  • basic morphological and biochemical tests of athletes’ blood,
  • post-workout changes to the athletes’ endocrine system,
  • research on the influence of different types of training on changes at the molecular level, (cell signaling, oxidative stress, DNA damage and repair, cell death).

Equipment

Among the  most important laboratory equipment are the following:

  • flow cytometer (2 lasers, 4 colours, variable optics of the detection system),
  • HPLC system with DAD detector and mass spectrometer (single quadrupole),
  • multifunctional microplate reader for measurements of UV/VIS absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence with a two-channel reagent dispenser,
  • UV-VIS split-beam spectrophotometer,
  • hematological analyzer,
  • analyser for electrolyte evaluation (K+, Na+, Cl-, Ca2+, HCO3- and pH),
  • biochemical analyser.

Physiology Laboratory carries out research on:

  • Performance of athlets at different stages of the training process,
  • Isokinetic strength assessment as a preventive factor in sport,
  • Speed and reaction time of athlets of different disciplines,
  • Analysis of muscle condition and neuromuscular coordination,
  • Motion analysis with 1000 fps cameras,
  • Analysis of muscle activity by means of EMG,
  • Exercise ECG stress test.

Equipment

Among the  most important laboratory equipment are the following:

  • K4b2-Cosmed system – portable gas analyser for breathing and circulatory system exercise tests. It is possible to perform perfrormnace tests in the field anywhere, even with the possibility of testing in water,
  • Quark – CPET – a stationary system for performance assessment with ECG measurement capability,
  • Fussion Sports Smart Speed – system for evaluating motor and coordination training,
  • EMG analysis and registration kit – 8 channel system with wireless data transmission,
  • System for motion analysis Myovideo – recording at 1000 fps,
  • Biodex System 4 – to assess the condition of muscles – their strength and neuro-muscular coordination and allows to determine the risk of injury (tearing, stretching of muscles). It also allows you to monitor and verify the progress of your training. The device offers the possibility of testing and rehabilitation in the following joints: shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. In order to increase the effectiveness of exercises the system has a Biofeedback option.

Genetics Laboratory carries out research on:

  • search for and identification of genetic determinants of sporting talents, giving the possibility to direct people with predispositions to develop their natural physical abilities (motor, physiological and other),
  • examination of the genetic background of the athlete’s range of post-workout response and the rate of post-workout regeneration, which enables the individualisation of the training process,
  • estimating the likelihood of an injury based on the presence of specific genetic risk factors, which allows for appropriate prevention,

Equipment

Among the most important laboratory equipment are the following:

  • Sequencer (3130 Genetic Analyzer) – enables, among others, de novo sequencing and analysis of fragments; comparative sequencing; analysis of micro and minisatellites, VNTR, STR;
  • Real-Time PCR thermocyclers and classical gradient thermocyclers (CFX96 Touch Real-Time PCR Detection System) – enable sensitive and very accurate detection of a wide range of genetic polymorphisms, which are the subject of analysis in sports genetics; testing the expression of reference genes tested in standard training programmes; in combination with the electrophoresis system, it enables epigenetic analysis;
  • System for horizontal and vertical electrophoresis – enables separation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) on agarose and polyacrylamide gels, registration of images with the possibility of fluorescence and chemiluminescence reading; quick semi-dry blotting for quantitative and qualitative analyses of nucleic acids;
  • Nucleic acid analyzer (Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer) – enables analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins and whole cells for: quality assessment of RNA isolates (in relation to total RNA, mRNA and small RNA molecules) with calculation of RIN (RNA Integrity Number), which is an industrial standard in RNA analysis.

Kinesiology Laboratory

shall carry out research work relating in particular to the knowledge of the conditions of the course of sensorimotor processes in athletes in rest and exercise conditions and the assessment and development of the motor skills of persons of different age and health.
The research concerns the analysis of the efficiency of both perceptual mechanisms, as well as decision-making and effector mechanisms, directly determining the efficiency of motor behavior. Current research projects are aimed at (1) assessing and improving the efficiency of visual perception and motor control functions in the context of sports achievements, and (2) developing the functional efficiency of people with motor coordination disorders and visual impairment.
Research projects shall be based on an interdisciplinary approach which takes into account clinical ophthalmology research procedures.

  • Analysis of sensorimotor processes at different stages of information processing;
  • Analysis of the posture stability control in healthy people and people with musculoskeletal disorders;
  • Sports diagnosis – analysis of the conditions of achievements in various motor activities.

Equipment

Equipment of the laboratory:

  • SMI Eyetracking Glasses System (SensoMotoric Instruments ETG 2w, Germany) – a mobile system used to analyse visual perception in a real environment.
  • The Vienna Testing System (Schuhfried GmbH, Austria) – a system of computer-aided sensorimotor diagnostics and movement coordination.
  • FitLight TrainerTM (Fitlight Sports Corp., Canada) – a system for measuring the speed of response to light stimuli, used as a trainer in visual perception training programmes.
  • OptojumpNext (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) – optical system for motion analysis.
  • Noraxon MyoMotion (Scottsdale, AZ, USA) – a set for motion analysis using inertial sensors.
  • Biodex Balance System SD (Biodex Medical Systems Inc., Shirley, NY, USA) – a device for assessing and training balance and proprioception in static and dynamic conditions.
  • GAMMA Dynamographic Platform (AC International East Sp. z o.o., Knurów, Poland) – a double-plate platform for the assessment and training of balance, gait and other movement activities.

 

Contact information