Motion Analysis

Motion analysis laboratory (kinematics)

Video is a popular medium for qualitative analysis and has allowed much knowledge

of kinematics of sporting actions to be gained. The introduction of cheap high quality

video cameras and players able to read every field instead of every frame (giving a

frame rate of 50Hz), has meant that quantitative work is possible. The video image

can be displayed in SIMI motion (a motion analysis software package) and digitised

using an on-screen cursor.

Aim:

1. To correctly graph the characteristic joint angle and angular velocity curves for

two different executions of a sports skill.

2. To report on the differences between the two executions in terms of the range

of motion and peak velocities, and the temporal characteristics of the curves.

3. To interpret the results in the context of the observed movement.
4. To relate your findings to the existing literature.

Methods:

1. You will be demonstrated how to use a video camera to make a 2D recording

of a sports skill, using the appropriate methodology for quantitative video

analysis.

2. During the lab session you will be able to familiarise yourself with the SIMI

motion analysis software using the SIMI user manual provided.

3. For your report you will be provided with joint angular data in Excel from a

specific project.

4. Your task is to display the relevant data by creating appropriate graphs.

Differentiate the angular data into angular velocity. You can use the

Biomechanics Toolbar for this.

This lab is providing you with experience in the following scientific skills (so therefore

you need to make sure you do them and show evidence in your report)

1. process data using given software
2. compute additional variables using manual or EXCEL methods
3. interpret the joint angle and angular velocity curves
4. compare and contrast your results with findings in the literature.