Research laboratories in JYU-Vuokatti

The shooting laboratory is used to measure and study the shooting technique of a biathlete. Sensors are used to measure triggering technique, body sway and aiming point movement. In addition, the prone shooting position will be analysed using AI-based photo analysis. The shooting exercise can be performed at rest or combined with a skiing exercise on a ski mat in the adjacent laboratory. The Coachtech system will be used to analyse and provide feedback on the shooting performance itself.

The biomechanics laboratory allows the measurement and study of human movement, mechanics and physiology using different muscle work. The study of the neuromuscular system and motor control is an integral part of biomechanical measurements, which focus on muscle and nervous system function by measuring spinal cord and motor cortex responses. The laboratory also carries out equipment and methodological development which, together with expertise in sport biology, supports the Master of Science in Sports Technology programme and doctoral studies.

The physiology laboratory can measure and study the function of the human cardiovascular system and endurance performance, for example with a bicycle ergometer. Metabolism, body composition and blood parameters such as haemoglobin, glucose and lactate can also be measured. Some samples are transported to Jyväskylä for analysis (inflammatory markers and hormones). In Vuokatti, high altitude training (haemoglobin mass, hormonal responses and inflammatory responses) and endurance performance are key topics. The laboratory is engaged in equipment and methodological development which, together with expertise in exercise biology, support the Master's programme in exercise technology and doctoral training.

The JYU-Vuokatti skiing laboratory is used in cooperation with Vuokatti Sport and Vuokatti-Ruka Sports Academy. The used roller skiing treadmill is a wide Rodby RL3500E. From a research point of view, the laboratory can be used to perform various incremental endurance tests and measurements on roller skis and on foot. The lab is equipped with the Coachtech measurement and feedback system developed by JYU-Vuokatti, a Vicon motion analysis system and the possibility for pole and ski force measurements.

Low temperature laboratory is mainly used for ski testing, but is also suitable for physiological testing. Ski testing is done with a linear tribometer located in the laboratory. Linear tribometer measures the forces during ski slide to enable the calculation of sliding friction for each individual ski. The temperature of the tribometer track can be adjusted between -1°C and -20°C. The temperature of the laboratory itself can be adjusted between +15°C and -20°C.

A typical task for the tribometer is the calibration of the test pack for the skiservice use. The tribometer has also been used to measure the friction of the luge runners. The cold laboratory has been used to test respiratory heaters for gradient measurements

The Strength & Endurance laboratory in Technology Park Snowpolis has the so-called "old treadmill" of Vuokatti Sport, where the pole walking and running tests are carried out, as well as a testing room with six bicycle ergometers. In addition, there is a strength lab with two Toorx treadmills for warm-up and e.g. endurance capacity controls called "pikkumattotesti", a force plate for countermovement and static jumps, and various strength equipment for testing and research, including a wire sensor for power tests. The force plate and the wire sensor for power measurements are integrated into the Coachtech measurement and feedback system.

We have developed a unique new training and testing environment for the biathlon. For the first time, the new training environment offers the biathlete an opportunity to practice live fire shooting in a laboratory “container” developed for this purpose and measure the shooting performance precisely based on real shooting.

The laboratory is build in a container which has been created in cooperation with JYU-Vuokatti, the Finnish Biathlon Association, the Finnish Olympic Committee, Vuokatti-Ruka Sports Academy and Vuokatti Sport. The new technology includes an electronic shooting target, a wind gauge and on demand cartridge speed sensor. The acquired technology has been integrated into the Coachtech system developed in Vuokatti and the test methods for biathlon developed in previous projects. Vuokatti has created a globally unique environment to support daily training, where every shot is accompanied by information on both the conditions and the athlete's performance.

Vuokatti Arena is mainly used for testing on ice, where IMU sensor, positioning, and video data can be measured through the Coachtech system.
Indoor positioning utilizes Iiwari Tracking Solutions Oy's UWB system, whose
data can be combined with video data, combined for example with video data via Coachtech. In addition, the Arena can be used for jump and running tests.