Objectives:

• Define quantitative biomechanical analysis
• Discuss instrumentation used for measuring kinematic parameters in biomechanics
• Discuss instrumentation used for measuring kinetic parameters in biomechanics
• Discuss how measurement of biomechanics variables may influence the variable themselves

• Experienced versus Inexperienced Distance Runners (pdf)
• Steeplechase Water Jump (pdf)
• Steeplechase Barriers (pdf)
• Hammer Throw Altitude (pdf)

Measurement Issues

• The process of measuring something influences the parameter being measured.

Laboratory Data Collection versus In-the-Field Data Collection

• Controlled environment (Vicon Webpage)
• Real-life situation (Hammer Throw Angle)

Sampling Rate

• Knee angle example
• Nyquist theorum-The sampling rate must be at least double the highest rate in the signal.

Measurement Tools

• Timing Devices
• Velocity Measurements
• Optical Imaging Systems
• Accelerometers
• Force Platforms
• Force Transducers
• Pressure Sensors
• Electromyography