Metropolia Movement Laboratory is located in Myllypuro Campus in City of Helsinki. Movement Laboratory has high quality facilities for gait and running analyses, isokinetic torque measurements and for other movement or function assessments. Analyses are targeted for individual clients, sport clubs or business clients.
See 360 presentation of Biomechanics and Movement Laboratory.
Our Research and Development Programs
LEMPI Research Project
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are among the most devastating sports injuries, typically occurring during rapid change-of-direction or landing maneuvers when the knee collapses inward under excessive load. In the LEMPI project (Lower Extremity Mechanics and Performance-Injury conflict), conducted at Metropolia Movement Lab, we investigate the biomechanical factors behind dynamic knee valgus in high-speed turns and its relationship to lower-limb force production. By combining laboratory-grade motion capture with targeted strength assessments, LEMPI aims to uncover injury mitigation strategies that keep athletes safer and performing at their best.
Learn more about LEMPI project
Contact:
Anu Valtonen, Principal Lecturer (PeopleFinder)
TEKLI Research Project
The TEKLI project evaluates the reliability and repeatability of computer vision applications for analyzing fundamental human movements—squats, jumps, walking, and running—from standard video footage. By benchmarking computer vision algorithms against laboratory grade movement analysis systems, we validate AI-driven tools that can be deployed in clinics, gyms, and on the field without specialized hardware.
MOVE ON RDI Project
MOVE ON increases the availability of learning activities in movement laboratories and offers focused e-learning modules and micro-courses that teach the use of state-of-the-art movement lab instrumentation to assess client movement and functional performance. Project also offers hands-on micro-courses on integrating AI-driven applications—streamlining assessment workflows in rehabilitation, sports coaching, and ergonomics.
Publications
Scientific Publications
Wang, D., Valtonen, A. M., Thiel, T., Stenroth, L., Gao, Y., & Kulmala, J. P. (2025). Effects of Exercise-Based ACL Injury Prevention Interventions on Knee Motion in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 55(2), 123–136. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2024.12720
Other publications
Valtonen, A. & Thiel, T. 2025. Isokineettinen lihasvoimamittaus – avain polvivammasta kuntoutumiseen. Julkaistu 12.12.2025. Metrospektiivi Pro. https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:muas-issn-2984-4134-204
Valtonen, A. & Thiel, T. 2024. Liikelaboratorio on oppimisympäristö liikkumisen arvioinnin taitojen arviointiin. Julkaistu 29.5.2024. Rehablogi
- Thiel, T. & Valtonen, A. 2023. Tekoälypohjaista liikeanalyysia voi hyödyntää toimintakyvyn arvioinnissa. Rehablogi
Laboratory equipment
3D movement analysis
3D movement analysis system (Vicon Motion Systems Limited) includes
- 20 infrared cameras (Vantage, Vero)
- 4 video cameras (Vue)
- 8 force plates (AMTI)
- 8 channel muscle activity system (Cometa)
- Nexus movement analysis software.
Measurement is executed on laboratory floor or treadmill (HP Cosmos Saturn).
2D movement analysis
2D videoanalysis system includes 4 highspeed cameras (Allied Vision) and video analysis software (Contemplas Templo 2D).
Measurement is executed on laboratory floor or treadmill (HP Cosmos Saturn).
Treadmill
Gait and running analysis are executed onHP Cosmos Saturn treadmill.
Size of the treadmill (running length 250 cm, width 75 cm) enables also wheelchair measurements possible.
Speed range of the treadmill is between 0 and 40 km/h, and the elevation between -27 and +27 %.
Step analysis
Optogait system (Optogait Microgate) measures time-distance variables, eg. walking speed, step length and during walking or running.
Measurement is executed on laboratory floor (1m x 5m area) or treadmill (HP Cosmos Saturn).
Plantar pressure systems
Plantar pressure distribution and peak pressure measurement is performed with Medilogic in-shoe insoles.
Measurement is executed on laboratory floor or treadmill (HP Cosmos Saturn).
Plantar pressure distribution and peak pressure measurement can also be performed barefoot with Medilogic pressure plate. Measurement is executed when client walks or runs over 3 m long pressure plate on laboratory floor.
Isokinetic dynamometer
Isokinetic CON-TREX® MJ dynamometer measures knee extension and flexion torque production with chosen movement speed and type of muscle contraction. Measurement can also be performed for other large joints.
Respiratory gas analyzer
COSMED CPET analyzer measures clients’ cardio-pulmonary ability during rest and load. Submaximal or maximal test is executed when walking or running on treadmill (HP Cosmos Saturn) or pedaling with cycle ergometer (Ergoline).
Body composition analyzer
SECA 515 MBCA body composition analyzer measures clients’ body composition on 19 frequencies.
Contact information
Research and development
Anu Valtonen
tel. +358 40 126 3488
anu.valtonen [at] metropolia.fi (anu[dot]valtonen[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Measurements
Tom Thiel
tel. +358 50 407 4973
tom.thiel [at] metropolia.fi (tom[dot]thiel[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Learning and sports club coordinator
Matti Kantola
tel. +358 40 482 8224
matti.kantola [at] metropolia.fi (matti[dot]kantola[at]metropolia[dot]fi)