Biomechanics

Sports biomechanics is concerned with the cause and effect of movement. As such, it is of particular value to the technical sports - including all the technical track and field events and other sports such as swimming and golf where sound principles underpin performance.

Biomechanical services are directed at two main areas - sports performance and injury prevention/ rehabilitation.

Biomechanical services can be either qualitative OR quantitative in nature. The first involves direct visual observation, usually with the aid of 1 or 2 video cameras, while the latter involves more sophisticated equipment such as force platforms and isokinetic dynamometry or other specialist devices.

In both cases, the biomechanist works closely with the coach and the analysis is athlete centred. The choice of analysis depends on several factors including the aspect(s) of the technique to be analysed, the nature of the event, the level of performance and the time available for the process.

In all cases, an evaluation is made of the performance and priorities, based on a biomechanical model, are set. Feedback to the athlete involving the coach is central to the service.

The laboratory at Jordanstown is well equipped for both qualitative and some quantitative analysis. The services are generally provided on a project-by-project basis, whereby the appropriate method and tools are agreed on discussion between the coach, athlete and the biomechanist. The work is overseen by the University's biomechanist, Eric Wallace (PhD), with assistance from Rodney Kennedy, Declan Gamble and the department's technical staff. A number of sports have availed of the services to date, including golf, hurdling, weight lifting, sprinting and gait analysis for middle and long distance runners.

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