[EDUC Research] STAPS : Science and Technology of Physical and Sports Activities Experimental Platform

General presentation

The multidisciplinary research facility Science and Technology of Physical and Sports Activities (STAPS) is dedicated to the experimental study of human movement, behavior, and physiology. It brings together two complementary spaces:
- the Movement Laboratory (S308), specialized in motion analysis and physiological measurements,
- and the Behavior Laboratory (S215), focused on perceptual, cognitive, and decision-making processes

Together, they provide researchers, faculty, and students with state-of-the-art equipment to investigate the dynamic relationships between perception, cognition, physiology, and motor action.

Since September 2023, the platform has been part of the Education, Psychology, and Neurosciences Research Federation (EPN-R). This integration enhances collaboration with other laboratories and access to shared resources in brain and body imaging (e.g., fNIRS, EEG). Through partnerships with major neuroimaging centers in the Paris region, the platform contributes to a vibrant network promoting interdisciplinary research and innovation at the crossroads of psychology, neuroscience, sport sciences, and physiology. Two rules of experimental economics must normally be followed if the data generated is intended for publication: participants must not be lied to, and they must be compensated according to their decisions.
 

The movement laboratory

The Movement Laboratory features advanced motion capture technologies (Vicon Nexus), force and physiological measurement systems, and AI-based motion analysis tools.

The Movement Laboratory (S308), located on the third floor of the STAPS building, is a 160 m² space.

It is dedicated to the detailed analysis of human movement and associated physiological measurements. 

This space hosts a variety of protocols relating to motor skills, coordination, fatigue, posture, athletic performance, and functional rehabilitation.

The laboratory is equipped with :
- a Vicon Nexus three-dimensional motion analysis system (10 Vero 2.2 cameras, 1 FLIR video camera), enabling the capture and kinematic modeling of complex movements with high spatial and temporal precision
- two Luxonis OAK-D S2 PoE cameras, which use artificial intelligence algorithms for automated motion analysis
- an AMTI force platform
- a treadmill
- a force cabin
- an ergocycle
- an eight-channel Procomp Infinity physiological signal recording system (electromyogram, electrocardiogram, skin conductance, respiration, four-channel EEG).

These devices enable a multimodal approach to movement, simultaneously integrating mechanical, neurophysiological, and behavioral dimensions.

The behavior laboratory

The Behavior Laboratory supports controlled experiments on body perception, emotion, and sensory-motor integration, combining behavioral and physiological responses.

The Behavior Laboratory (S215), located on the second floor of the UFR STAPS, is designed for the study of perceptual, cognitive, and decision-making processes in controlled contexts.

It includes two 3.2 m² booths and one 6 m² booth, adapted to “push-button” protocols and computerized tasks in an immersive environment. This space facilitates detailed analysis of behavioral, perceptual, and physiological responses to visual, auditory, or multisensory stimuli.

The laboratory is equipped with innovative devices that enable the implementation of experimental protocols on body perception and self-representation, such as the hand-vision cross-projection system, a robotic hand that reacts in real time to the participant's movements, and several “Rubber Hand” devices.

The visual and interactive equipment includes two large-format screens (ASUS PG278, 2560×1440, 165 Hz), two BOSE noise-canceling headsets, Wacom Intuos
4® graphics tablets, and an interactive screen.

The laboratory also has physiological and behavioral sensors such as a BioHarness (cardiac, respiratory, postural, and acceleration activity), six Makey-Makey devices, an Arduino MEGA 2560 board, and two eye trackers : a Tobii 4C (250 Hz) and a Pupil Core from Pupil Labs.

The experiments are managed by specialized software for experimental research and statistical analysis.