Introduction to Sports Biomechanics: Analysing Human Movement ...

Why is it used?
To differentiate between individuals or teams.
To improve movement or performance, as in gait analysis and video analysis.
To provide qualitative feedback.
Semi-quantitative analysis
What do we use for this?
Mostly as for qualitative analysis plus some simple measurements such as:
� joint ranges of motion
� durations of sub-phases of the movement, such as the stance and support phases
in running, and their ratios to the overall movement time
� distances, such as stride length
� joint angles at key times, such as knee angle at take-off for a jump
� notation – goals scored, passes, etc.
Who uses this?
Pretty much as for qualitative analysis excluding, perhaps, teachers.
Why is it used?
Quantitative analysis
Pretty much as for qualitative analysis, but when comparisons are more important.
Scaling aspects of a performance; for example, poor to excellent on a 1–5 point
scale.
What do we use for this?
Image-based motion analysis, mostly using video (see Chapter 4) or automatic
marker-tracking systems plus, when occasion demands, electromyography (see
Chapter 6) and force or pressure plates or insoles (see Chapter 5).
Statistical modelling of technique or of movement patterns in games, artificial
intelligence, computer simulation modelling.
Quantitative movement analysis and notational analysis software packages.
Who uses this?
Mainly researchers.
MOVEMENT PATTERNS – THE ESSENCE OF SPORTS BIOMECHANICS
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