Biomechanics and human movement analysis

The course provides an introduction to the use of biomechanics in the measurement and analysis of human movement and physical activity. Through exercises, students will learn about the consequences of Newton's laws in mechanics, analyze forces (statics and dynamics) that create movement (kinematics), and perform quantitative measurements of movement in various training-related exercises and in physical activity. The course focuses on the application of biomechanics through exercises, demonstrations, and practice in the measurement and analysis of movement and physical activity using force plates and body-worn sensors.

Knowledge

The student has knowledge of

• biomechanics in whole body and joint movements
• various measuring instruments and analyses for evaluating movements and physical activity

Skill

The student shall be able to

• apply analysis of force diagrams to both whole body and joint movements
• calculate work and effect of whole body movements calculate (angular) velocity and (angular) acceleration from position in both whole body and joint movements
• calculate velocity and position from force/acceleration in whole body movements
• apply basic trigonometric operations in relation to vector composition and decomposition
• solve equations with one unknown
• apply various measuring instruments (force plates and body-worn sensors)
• analyze and report results from different measuring instruments
• assess the advantages and disadvantages of using different instruments for measurements in different populations

General competence

The student should be able to

• present their own work both orally and in writing (report)
• apply biomechanics and measurement of movement in practical problems

The course has continuous teaching throughout the entire semester. Up to 84 hours of lectures/exercises/group work/laboratory activities. Parts of the course may be taught in English.