The module will focus on understanding human locomotion. Dr Florentina Hettinga and Dr Matt Taylor will start with discuss how gait and in particular running performance, the most basic of human cyclic movements, can be analysed. Practicals are organized in which we can experimentally test and analyze our own running performance. In the second part of the module we will look back to the principles explained in the first lectures and practicals that applied to running, and how they can be applied to other cyclic movements in sports and rehabilitation (eg wheelchair biomechanics).Throughout the module, we will discuss factors that determine movement of athletes and sports objects in air and water are examined from a biomechanical perspective. We will explore the nature of the forces that air and water can exert on athletes and sports objects and how they affect performance Forces that affect body movement also impose loads on the internal structures of the body. The physical properties of internal structures (notably the musculo-skeletal system) will be studied to understand the causes of injury and how they may be prevented.
Learning Outcomes:
To pass this module students will need to be able to:
1. describe how air and water exert forces on athletes and objects moving through them and how these forces can be modified to improve performance;
2. describe the stresses and strains that can be imposed on internal structures of the body by external forces and the responses of human body structures to these;
3. Understand the practical techniques used to collect biomechanical and movement data;
4. Understand the biomechanical characteristics of walking and running and the effect various footwear has on gait;
5. Describe the interaction between footwear and sports surfaces on gait, movement and performance;
6. Explain how basic mechanics can be applied to an athlete, and how you can model an athlete with an energy flow model;
7. See relevance of biomechanics in applied research on sports and exercise in various contexts.
Learning Outcomes:
To pass this module students will need to be able to:
1. describe how air and water exert forces on athletes and objects moving through them and how these forces can be modified to improve performance;
2. describe the stresses and strains that can be imposed on internal structures of the body by external forces and the responses of human body structures to these;
3. Understand the practical techniques used to collect biomechanical and movement data;
4. Understand the biomechanical characteristics of walking and running and the effect various footwear has on gait;
5. Describe the interaction between footwear and sports surfaces on gait, movement and performance;
6. Explain how basic mechanics can be applied to an athlete, and how you can model an athlete with an energy flow model;
7. See relevance of biomechanics in applied research on sports and exercise in various contexts.