B.2.3 Movement Analysis and its Applications

Adapted from class notes.

Movement Analysis

• Movement analysis involves identifying phases of a physical task through observation or video, analyzing biomechanical flaws and inefficiencies in each phase independently to enhance performance or prevent injuries

Phases of Movement Approach

• Movement is categorized to help athletes and coaches understand skills

  • Preparatory

  • Force Production

  • Critical Instant

  • Follow through/recovery

• Discrete skills have a clear beginning and end (throwing a ball)

• Continuous skills are ongoing (running)

Discrete Skills

• Preparatory Phase - Mental and physical preparation for the skill. Thinking about what is required, and positioning the body to prepare. Thinking about hitting a tennis ball

• Force Production Phase - Movement of body (bones and muscles) to produce force. Swinging a tennis racket

• Critical Instant - The goal of the movement that determines accuracy/success. Possibly a contact as something is being hit, or end of contact as a jump. Contact of tennis racket and ball

• Follow through - Continuation of the movement following the critical instant. Helps reduce injury and increases control. Swing of racket after ball leaves

Continuous Skills

• Phases determined by key events

• Recovery (rather than follow through) takes phase after one cycle

  • Swimming - The arm coming forward out of the water

  • Running - The leg coming forward to prepare for a new stride

• Example - Swimming:

  • Entry - Hands enter water

  • Pull - Begins when hand starts moving back

  • Push - Begins whne hand and arm are vertical

  • Recovery - Begins when hand leaves the water

Benefits

• Health and Safety: Can reduce biomechanical flaws, reduce inefficient movement. Biomechanical flaws can lead to injury

• Sporting performance - identity flaws to improve power, develop effective strategies, reduce injury