Description

Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

As well as building on knowledge gained in years one and two, this module will introduce the use of modelling techniques to estimate the loads experienced by structures of the human body. You will learn methods for combining kinetic and kinematic data to improve understanding of human movement. This module involves both theoretical and practical elements.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to further develop your ability to apply biomechanical principles to the analysis of human movement, using the concepts introduced in year one and year two. You will develop an understanding of the use of modelling methods combining kinetic and kinematic data to improve understanding of human movement, and to estimate the loads experienced by structures of the human body during different tasks.

Graduate attributes. As part of this module you are expected to develop the following skills:

• Team work in the laboratory tasks.
• Strategic thinking and problem solving in designing data collection procedures for laboratory coursework assessment.
• Data management skills in collecting and recording data and analysing findings.
• Application of knowledge in interpreting findings of formative assessment.
• Building confidence as a communicator in discussing own experiments and literature in seminar settings.
• People skills in communicating with peers and module teaching team.
• Enquiring mind in pursuing further reading on topics covered in the module
• Ability to utilise NetForce software for collection of force plate data
• Ability to analyse data using Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to collect and analyse RSscan pressure plate data.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Describe in detail, making reference to the latest research, the biomechanical methods used in analysis of movement in exercise and sport

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 2. Collect, analyse and interpret data obtained in a laboratory setting, with particular focus on the development of skills in using spreadsheets for data analysis
• 3. Evaluate evidence to support conclusions, with particular consideration of accuracy and reliability
• 4. Analyse and appraise published research material

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Work within a laboratory setting as part of a team, interacting effectively with team members
• 6. Manage information with minimum guidance

Syllabus plan

Syllabus plan

• Force: measurement, processing and interpretation
• Cushioning of impact force
• Data analysis specific to biomechanics
• Cushioning of surfaces
• Pressure distribution
• Introduction to modelling
• Static analysis
• Inverse dynamics
• Quasi-static methods
• Estimation of internal loads
• Joint stiffness

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Assessment

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Nigg, B.M. and Herzog, W. (2007). Biomechanics of the Musculo-skeletal System. Wiley and Sons. ISBN 13 978-0-470-01767-8.
• Bartlett, R. (2007). Introduction to Sports Biomechanics (2nd Edition). Routledge, Oxon. ISBN 978-0-415-33994-0
• Bartlett, R. and Bussey, M. (2011). Sports Biomechanics. Reducing Injury and Improving Performance. (2^nd Edition). Routledge, Oxon. ISBN-10: 04155583.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=946
• Online journals

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Running gait, injury, sports performance