FIELD MEASUREMENT OF BIOMECHANICAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The time course of joint moments and powers during competitive performance are helpful variables for pinpointing the involved major muscle groups, estimating total mechanical energy expenditure and mechanical efficiency, and identifying the magnitude and timing of unnecessary joint power absorption. These measures are also useful for understanding the mechanisms of injury and thus planning and training for their minimisation. Simulation of sporting movements in the laboratory is useful but never reaches the validity of testing in field conditions. However, field instrumentation must meet additional criteria imposed by the environment and the necessity to minimize interference with the athlete’s performance. This session will propose some solutions for field testing of athletes.