Analysing movement through technology

• What are limb kinematics?

  The study of the efficiency of the movements of limbs
• What are limb kinematics in action?

  Reflective markers are places on the performers bony landmarks and they are filmed using multiple video cameras - 3D Analysis - Video Motion
• What are the uses of limb kinematics?

  Data is immediately available and accurate

  Coaches can use the analysis to make changes to technique

  To examine causes of common injury which can be prevented as poor technique is identified

  Investigates the impact of equipment on technique - so helps with selection of appropriate equipment e.g. weight of hockey stick
• What are the negatives of limb kinematics?

  Equipment is expensive

  Lab conditions make techniques hard to perform due to lack of space or similarity to real life

  Results do not take account of individual differences
• What is the definition of force plates?

  A platform the measures all of the ground reaction forces applied when a performer stands, step across or jumps on it. Measured balance and gait
• What are force plates in action?

  The platform measures the ground reaction forces that the performer generates. This can be either vertical or both planes of horizontal (shear) forces. Data is generates including a force time graph
• What are the uses of force plates?

  Fast and accurate results

  Analysis of gait/or landing technique which can be used to identify technique and efficiency improvements for sports performers

  Results useful to plan conditioning or development programmes
• What are the disadvantages of force plates?

  Equipment is expensive

  Lab conditions make some techniques difficult to perform

  Need a specialist to interpret data
• What are wind tunnels?

  A chamber through which air is forced
• What are wind tunnels in action?

  The object or performer to be tested is placed in the tunnel a controlled flow of air is forced through and the airflow around the object is studies to measure resistance around it
• What are the uses of wind tunnels?

  Equipment and technique can be adapted to increase the aerodynamic properties reduce the effect of air resistance and increase performance

  Wind speed and direction are controllable to mimic competitive conditions

  Individual pieces of equipment can be tested like cycle helmets
• What are the disadvantages of wind tunnels?

  Equipment is expensive and usually located in engineering facilities or research labs

  Real life conditions may impact unexpectedly so results not always realistic