Limb kinematics, force plates and wind tunnel technology

Question 1

Define limb kinematics

Answer 1

The study of movements of limbs in space, and time taken to carry out the movements. It includes the study of gait

Question 2

Limb kinematics in action

Answer 2

Reflective markers are placed on the performers body landmarks and they are filmed using multiple video cameras. The data is transferred into digital form for analysis.

Question 3

Name 2 uses of limb kinematics

Answer 3

1. Info readily available
2. Coaches use info to make changes to technique
3. Examine the effect of movements causing injury
4. Investigate effectiveness of techniques

Question 4

Name 2 drawbacks of limb kinematics

Answer 4

1. Expensive equipment
2. Results don’t take into account individuals differences
3. Lab conditions make techniques difficult to reenact due to space of lack of game situations

Question 5

Define force plates

Answer 5

Force plates are platforms that measure all forces applied when a performer stands, steps across or jumps on it

Question 6

Force plates in action

Answer 6

The platform measures the ground reaction forces that the performer generates. This can be vertical or both planes of horizontal forces. Data generated including a force time graph, power and acceleration information.

Question 7

Name 2 benefits of force plates

Answer 7

1. Fast and accurate results recorded
2. Analysis of gait, take off and landing technique
3. Results can be used to plan training programmes

Question 8

Name 2 drawbacks of force plates

Answer 8

1. Equipment is expensive

2. Laboratory conditions make it difficult to perform techniques (eg long jump)

Question 9

Define wind tunnel

Answer 9

A wind tunnel is a chamber at which air is forced

Question 10

Wind tunnel in action

Answer 10

Performer/object tested is placed in tunnel. A controlled flow of air is forced through and the airflow around the object is studies to measure resistance around it

Question 11

Name 2 benefits of wind tunnels

Answer 11

1. Can analyse new techniques to increase or decrease air resistance in techniques
2. Wind speed can be mimicked to represent game situations
3. Individual pieces of equipment can be tested (cycle helmets)

Question 12

Name 2 drawbacks of wind tunnels

Answer 12

1. Equipment is expensive

2. Can’t completely mimic game situations as situations vary