How we move shapes every part of our lives — from athletic performance to everyday health, creativity and independence. At UC San Diego, the Human Performance Institute (HPI) brings together researchers, clinicians, engineers and athletes to explore the science of movement. By studying how the body functions and recovers, HPI develops tools and strategies that help people move better, stronger and longer.
Movement is central to life, yet the biology and mechanics of movement, injury and recovery remain complex and deeply individual. At HPI, cutting edge technologies meet world class expertise in biomechanics, imaging, sensors, injury prevention, regenerative science and data science, to develop new ways to support healthier, stronger and longer lasting human movement.
Researchers collaborate across UC San Diego, neighboring institutes, industry partners and UC San Diego Athletics to translate discoveries into actionable strategies. This work helps athletes prevent injury, optimize training and enhance performance — while also providing insights that improve everyday movement and long-term health. By merging medicine, engineering and human performance science, the HPI turns research into practical tools that benefit both elite athletes and the broader public.
HPI explores every aspect of human performance, from the biomechanical analysis of complex movements to soft tissue injury prevention, performance biomarkers and differences in male and female physiology. Teams leverage biomedical imaging, bioengineering, next-generation medical devices and advanced tools to capture the body’s function with unprecedented detail. These innovations support earlier detection of injury risk, more precise diagnostics and new pathways for recovery and regeneration.
This interdisciplinary approach reflects UC San Diego’s broader commitment to translational science: build strong research foundations, connect them with clinical and community partners and deliver solutions that improve lives. As HPI continues to grow, it inspires new generations of scientists, clinicians, engineers and athletes to explore and expand human potential.
