Instituto de Biomecánica

All of IBV’s scientific and technological activity is based on five research strands, with transversal or sectorial dimension, related to certain productive sectors. Therefore, the own R&D strategy of the IBV articulates around the following main strands:

Biomechanical analysis of the human body and its mechanical interaction with products and environments
The study of the biomechanical behaviour of the human body, by characterizing and modelling its structures and analysing its mechanical interaction with the environment:
- Biomechanical analysis of the human body
- Study of the mechanical interaction between the human body and related products and environments
Research under this strand focuses on factors such as morphometry and anthropometry, tissues and structures of the human body, tissue engineering, biomaterials, pressures, forces, impacts, friction and vibrations
Study and assessment of the human body associated to the use of products and services
The assessment of the emotional and physiological response of the human body and the study of the mechanisms that allow the body’s senses to receive, elaborate and interpret information in the environment. Furthermore, this strand aims to generate design and assessment criteria for products and services:
- Study and assessment of body response
- Study and assessment of perception
Research focuses on factors such as the emotional and physiological response of users to products and services; physiological measures; comfort and discomfort models; the study of sensorial perception (sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste, proprioception, balance); the application of virtual reality in product and service design; the reproduction of stimuli; and the concept of Presence.
Study and assessment of environments
The study of environments where social, domestic, leisure and work activities take place, among others. Generation of design criteria and the study of the adjustment of environments to user needs:
- Study and assessment of environments
- Study and assessment of physical environments
Research focuses on thermal, acoustic and visual environments (especially relevant to the study of comfort and environmental quality); physical environments; and the applications of active environments and environmental control, among others.
Study and assessment of products and services for human use

The study of products and services for human use in those fields which are addressed by the IBV’s scope of activity.

Research under this strand focuses on factors such as person-oriented design (methodologies, techniques and procedures); customisation of products and services according to personal characteristics; morphometric and anthropometric data for product design; material and active product applications; ergonomics and industrial design; cognitive aspects; modelling and simulation of products; and durability.

Study and assessment of human functions and activities
The study of human functional capacities, taking into consideration both the context of the activity (daily living, wok, leisure, sports, etc.) and the personal characteristics (age, disability, health, etc.):
- Study and assessment of functional limitations
- Study and assessment of performance
- Study and assessment of disability and dependency
Research focuses on factors such as the assessment of functional limitations (associated to e.g. age, disabilities and injuries); the activity performance (work, sports, etc.); functional rehabilitation; professional reinsertion of injured workers; and the holistic aspects of disability, dependency and ageing.