Introduction to Sports Biomechanics: Analysing Human Movement ...

INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS BIOMECHANICS
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Where to observe – controlled environment or ecologically valid one.
From where to observe movement (vantage points) – including consideration of other
qualitative patterns (Chapter 3).
Number of observations – there is no such thing as a representative trial.
Stage 3 – Evaluation and diagnosis
Evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of the performance.
Use of other qualitative movement patterns in addition to video images (Chapter 3).
Validity and reliability – generally poor to moderate for a single analyst and poor across
analysts; increased training of analyst and analysing more trials both help.
Issues:
� variability of movement
� movement errors
� critical features vs ideal form
� analyst bias.
Select the best intervention to improve performance; this involves judgement of causes of
poor performance.
Issues:
� lack of theoretical basis (not necessarily)
� prioritising intervention – several approaches based on features of the movement that:
� relate to previous actions
� promise greatest improvement in performance or reduction in injury risk
� proceed in order of difficulty of changing, from easiest to hardest
� are in a correct sequence
� work from the base of support up.
Stage 4 – Intervention
Emphasises feedback to performers to improve technique and performance.
Main review of the overall qualitative analysis process in the context of the needs analysis in
stage 1 – this does not preclude reviews at other stages of the process, as implied by the solid
arrows in Figure 2.2(d).
Many issues arise about how, when and where to provide feedback.
Also raises issues about practice, which need to address motor control models.
Also raises issues about technique – or skills – training, and other aspects of training.
PREPARATION STAGE – KNOWING WHAT AND HOW TO OBSERVE
As can be seen from Box 2.2, the preparation stage involves much gathering of
knowledge, including the undertaking of a needs analysis, identifying critical features
of the performance, and preparing for later stages in the analysis process. We will focus