Analysis of movement through technology Flashcards
What are limb kinematics
Kinematics is the process of using 3D video/motion analysis to study a movement in relation to time and space.
Motion analysis records the athlete performing a sporting action or skill, as well as the technique being used in the movement.
Overall limb kinematics is used to enhance and improve performance, but is very expensive and often only limited to laboratory conditions
What can Limb Kinematics be used to analyse
The bones, muscles and joints
The mechanics of the movement
Velocity, acceleration and angle of the joints
Displacement
Movement efficiency
Technique
Risk of injury (and the progress of rehabilitation)
What are force plates
A force plate is a rectangular metal plate with load cells or strain gauges that measure force and time.
When an object makes contact with the force plate, an electrical output proportional to the force being applied is displayed.
Force plates measure ground reaction forces and can be used to enhance sporting performance in a number of ways.
Use of force plates
Can be used to measure walking, running, jumping, hopping, balancing and can be used to assess the size and direction of force acting on the athlete.
Measure explosive strength / power, acceleration, balance (sprains), motion (gait cycle), injury prevention (rehabilitation), take off angles.
Can also be used to develop/adapt prosthetics
What are wind tunells
Stationary object placed into the wind tunnel and air/wind blown towards it, with the overall aim of improving the flow of air around the object, making it more streamlined.
Allows the control of environmental variables (wind speed, direction etc..) and the use of dye allows observation of the air flow
What wind tunnel allows measurements of
Air resistance and drag
Aerodynamic efficiency (streamline)
Air flow (all directional winds)
Technique / body position
Wind Tunnels for F1 cars and cyclists
F1 car – Reducing the amount of air resistance / drag on the car , allows adaptation of the flaps and increase lift.
Overall this can improve performance by increasing efficiency.
Cyclist – Development of equipment (helmet, bike, shoes, all clothing) to reduce drag and ensure the most streamlined position. Can alter technique and body position too.
