!!! Analysing movement with technology

Question 1

What technology can be used to analyse movement?

Answer 1

1. Limb kinematics
2. Force plates
3. Wind tunnels.

Question 2

What are limb kinematics, how are they used, how can they optimise performance?

Answer 2

1. Limb kinematics is the study of the movements of limbs in space, and the time taken to carry out the
   movements
2. Used through optical motion analysis which records an athlete performing a sporting action, allowing the evaluation of efficiency of the movement
3. Optimises performance by producing data which can be used by coaches to improve performance/specific techniques of athletes.

Question 3

What are force plates, how are they used, how can they optimise performance?

Answer 3

1. Force plates are used to measure ground reaction forces in laboratory conditions
2. Used through athletes balancing, running and jumping on a force plate, which assesses the size and direction of forces acting on the athlete, acceleration rates, work and power output
3. Optimises performance through sports biomechanics assessment, gait analysis, balance rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Question 4

What are wind tunnels, how are they used, how can they optimise performance?

Answer 4

1. Wind tunnels are steel frame buildings containing wide fans, where artificial wind is produced
2. It is used to develop the drag reduction system. Objects such as cycle helmets and F1 cars can be tested for aerodynamic efficiency
3. Optimises performance as engineers study the flow of air around an object. The aim is to improve the flow of air around an object, streamlining its path through the oncoming air and potentially increasing lift and decreasing drag.