Modern technology Flashcards
What are the 3 main technologies used to improve performance through biomechanical analysis
Limb kinematics, force plates, wind tunnels
What are limb kinematics
The study of motion, limbs and movement through video, motion or 3d analysis
What do limb kinematics assess
Gait, movement efficiency, velocity, joint angles
What do limb kinematics help to improve
Technique or reduce chance of injury
What are positive evaluation points of limb kinematics
Improve technique, improve posture/joint alignment, helps with injury rehab
What are negative evaluation points of limb kinematics
Accessibility, cost, requires specialist training to use and interpret data
What are force plates
Rectangular metal plate, often used in combination with video/motion analysis. Uses load cells/strain gauges to measure force
What can be calculated using force plates
Time - force, acceleration, velocity, displacement
Displacement - force
Other - impulse
What are force plates commonly used in
Swimming start, swimming turns, high jump, long jump/triple jump, pole vault, jumping in basketball/netball etc
What are force plates used to do
Analyse gait/walking/running, analyse posture, measure balance, injury rehab, measure force/power/acceleration, optimise angle of take - off, injury prevention, adapt/design prostheses
Positive evaluation points of force plates
Injury prevention/rehab, large amount of data for analysis, immediately available
Negative evaluation points for force plates
Not available to most, must be maintained/calibrated, requires specialist training to interpret data
What are wind tunnels
Wind tunnels used to stimulate air resistance
What sport are wind tunnels used for and why
Cyclists analyse performance to improve aerodynamics and increase speed
Positive evaluation points of wind tunnels
Improve technique, test equipment designs e.g. bike helmets
