Introduction to Sports Biomechanics: Analysing Human Movement ...

MORE ON MOVEMENT PATTERNS – THE GEOMETRY OF MOTION
– angle–angle diagrams’ (pages 96–103) and to consult the examples on the book’s
website before undertaking this task.
6 Again, by selecting the relevant columns, plot phase planes (angular velocity
versus angle) for the hip, knee and ankle for each activity. Yet again, comment on any
observable differences between the coordination patterns for walking and running.
Hint: You may wish to reread the subsection on ‘The coordination of joint rotations
– phase planes’ (pages 103–6) and to consult the examples on the book’s website
before undertaking this task.
7 Based on the differences you have noted, explain whether each of the three types
of movement pattern in Study tasks 4 to 6 help you to identify any qualitative
differences between walking and running.
Hint: You may wish to reread the sections on ‘The geometry of angular motion’
(pages 93–6) and ‘The coordination of joint rotations’ (pages 96–106) before
undertaking this task.
8 Have your lecturer arrange, or arrange for yourself, a discussion session to consider
the implications of the results of the study summarised in Box 3.2 for qualitative
movement analysts.
Hint: You should read Box 3.2 several times before undertaking this task.
You should also answer the multiple choice questions for Chapter 3 on the book’s
website.
GLOSSARY OF IMPORTANT TERMS (compiled by Dr Melanie Bussey)
Angle–angle diagram A graph in which the angle of one joint or body segment is
plotted as a function of the angle of another joint or body segment. Conceptually,
these can also be three-dimensional – involving three joints.
Geometry Branch of knowledge dealing with spatial relationships.
Gradient The inclination of a line or surface along a given direction.
Kinematics The branch of mechanics that examines the spatial and temporal components
of movement without reference to the forces causing the movement.
Movement variability The variability that exists within a movement system, which is
observable during movement; it is due to non-linear dynamic processes within the
movement system.
Phase angle The angle formed between the x-axis of the phase plane and the vector of
the phase plane trajectory. This angle quantifies where the trajectory is located
in the phase plane as time progresses and is used to calculate the relative phase
(angle).
Phase plane; phase plot Usually constructed in movement analysis by plotting the
angular velocity of a joint or body segment against its angular position. It provides a
qualitative picture of the organisation of the system. Conceptually, these can involve
any two (or more) properties of a joint or body segment.
111