Module Code - Title:
SS4062
-
SPORTS BIOMECHANICS INNOVATION
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
• To give students an understanding of new and developing methodologies in the biomechanics of sport and exercise.
• To give students an understanding of the applications of existing methods using novel and developing techniques of data analysis.
• To give students an understanding of industry use of biomechanical methods of analysis.
• To provide students an understanding of the merits of mathematics for biomechanics research.
Syllabus:
• Methods to examine variability in human movement: single subject analysis, considerations of movement variability.
• Methods to examine coordination and stability in human movement: Applied Dynamics systems theory for analysis of movement, measures of coordination and variability in gait patterns.
• New and developing methods for data analysis of human movement: applications power spectrum analysis, wavelet analysis in biomechanics of kinematic, kinetic and EMG data.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this modules students will be able to; 1. Consider the use of novel experimental research design in biomechanics, to include single-subject analysis.
2. Discuss the presence of variability relating to movement performance and injury.
3. Evaluate a range of methods used to examine gait.
4. Explain the organisation of the neuromuscular system within the dynamical systems theory.
5. Assess the use of different filters and data capture frequency for sports movements.
6. Illustrate an understanding of the theoretical principles of innovative analysis techniques in biomechanics.
7. Demonstrate an appreciation of the developing techniques of applied biomechanics from a wide range of disciplines.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this modules students will be able to; 1. Appreciate the value of the practical application of biomechanical analysis in industry.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Faculty contact per week: 1 x 2hr guest lecture 1 x 1hr seminar self-reading: 15hr theoretical learning. The module is theoretically oriented with no practical element. However, guest lectures develop the theory-practitioner link for this final year undergraduate module. Theory is strongly research informed to include international best practice in the field. This will aim to develop knowledgeable, proactive, creative, responsible, collaborative and articulate biomechanics practitioners.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Stergiou, N. (2003)
Innovative Analysis of Human Movement
, Human Kinetics
Other Relevant Texts:
Robertson, D.G.E., Caldwell, G.E., Hamill, J., Kamen, G., Whittlesey, S.N. (2013)
Research Methods in Biomechanics
, Human Kinetics
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSSESCUFA - SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Ian.Kenny@ul.ie