IS MOVEMENT VARIABILITY IMPORTANT FOR SPORTS BIOMECHANISTS?

Abstract

This review paper addresses the importance for sports biomechanics of movement variability, which has been studied for some time by cognitive and ecological motor skills specialists but largely overlooked by sports biomechanics. The paper considers biomechanics research that shows EMG variability, inter-and intra-individual kinematic variability, and computer predictions of movement variability. The paper concludes by recommending that sports biomechanists should focus more of their research on movement variability and on important related topics, such as control and coordination of movement, and implications for practice and skill learning.