The objectives of the course are:

• description of the main parameters that characterize certain human functions: motor, cardiac, respiratory and metabolic muscle;
• recall of physical principles and description of the instruments used to measure the parameters of interest;
• description of methods adopted for indirect estimation of parameters that cannot be measured directly;
• description of operational protocols illustrative of applications.
• identification of specific protocols for each sport of data acquisition and data analysis for the verification of motor performance and for the identification of risk strategies for injuries.

Sports biomechanics

Knowledge and understanding: data acquisition systems, wearable sensors and video-based systems for tracking human performances. Environmental sensors for tracking human activities. Biomechanical models for sport simulations (DD1).

Applying knowledge and understanding: to design fit-to-purpose test for specific sports, to implement algorithms for the sports data analysis, select the sensors to collect human performance data (DD2).

Making judgements: select the best measurement system for tracking athletes’ performances. Compare similar systems by analysing their datasheet and their characteristics (DD3).

Communication skills: during the course they will learn how to work in a team and how to deliver results in oral presentation (DD4).

Learning skills: analyzing data, classifying human performance test, comparing measurements systems, defining test protocol, describing biomechanical results, evaluating human performance, problem solving.

 Evaluation of human performance

It is expected that the student, by the end of the course, will have acquired adequate skills to be able to interact with clinical staff in rehabilitation settings, and the ability to use innovative tools and propose new solutions in the field of rehabilitation biomechanics. More specifically, the student is expected to acquire:

Knowledge and understanding of functional assessment of the motor, respiratory and cardiac systems, motor rehabilitation, functional electrical stimulation, prosthetics, orthotics, functional aids (DD1).

Applied understanding in the selection of the most appropriate instrumentation for the assessment of systems function, motor rehabilitation issues (DD2).

Autonomy of judgment in the evaluation of issues related to methods and technologies in rehabilitation (DD3).

Communication skills and language properties in the discussion of topics pertaining to functional assessment and motor rehabilitation in the context of evidence-based medicine (DD4).

Sports biomechanics

1. Introduction to biomechanics of human movement

What is biomechanics?

Why study biomechanics?

Improving performance

Preventing and treating injury

Qualitative and quantitative analysis

2. Functional anatomy and bioengineering of motor system

Review of key anatomical concepts

Directional terms

Joint motions

Biomechanics of muscle

Review of muscle structure

Muscle actions

Active and passive tension of muscle

Hill muscle model

The limitations of functional anatomical analysis

Mechanical method of muscle action analysis

The need for biomechanics to understand muscle actions

Three mechanical characteristics of muscle

Force–velocity relationship

Force–length relationship

Force–time relationship

Stretch-shortening cycle (ssc)

Force–time principle

Neuromuscular control (neuromuscular spindle…)

The functional unit of control: motor units

Regulation of muscle force

Proprioception of muscle action and movement

Biomechanics of bone

Biomechanics of ligaments

Work–energy relationship

Mechanical energy

Mechanical work

Mechanical power

3. Technologies for motion analysis: instruments and methods of measurement of variables of interest.

Time

Photocell (duration time)

Witty SEM (reaction time)

              Kinematic

                            Indoor

                                          Optoeltronic system

              Electrogoniometers

                            Outdoor

                                          Wearables

                                          Inertial measurements unit: accelerometers

                                          Markerless motion analysis

                                          Video analysis, image analysis system (Kineovea)

              Dynamic

Force platforms

Sensor matrices

Stabilometers

Dynamometers (ForceFrame)

Dynamometer platforms

              Muscle activations

                            Electromyography - EMG

              Energetic consideration

4. Direct and inverse dynamics

              Musculoskeletal modelling

Models for calculating joint reactions and moments

Evaluation of human performance

5. Motor pattern characterization (technical evaluation of gesture) and injury risk (risk assessment)

Walking (kinematics, dynamics, energetics)

Running (kinematics, dynamics, energetics)

Throws (kinematics, dynamics, energetics)

Jumps (kinematics, dynamics, energetics)

Load Training

6. Posture and balance assessment

Variables of interest in the functional assessment of postural function

Stabilometry

Orthostatic and dynamic equilibriometry

Cranial corporography

7. Metabolic and cardiorespiratory assessment

              Recall to metabolic mechanisms: alactacidic anaerobic, lactacidic anaerobic, aerobic.

Recall to respiratory system mechanisms: pump and exchanger.

Ergometers

Measurement of respiratory parameters

Volume measurements

Spirometry

Absolute volume

Gas analysis.

Flow measurements: differential pressure flowmeters, pneumotachographs, turbine.

Methods of estimating O2 consumption and CO2 production.

Douglas bag.

Breath x breath methods.

Tests for evaluation of direct and indirect muscle metabolic factors

8. Body composition assessment

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)

9. Biomechanical modelling, simulation and analysis (Opensim, BoB biomechanics)

 Practical examples of protocols for sport assessment (soccer, rowing, climbing)

Seminars

• SDG4 - QUALITY EDUCATION
• SDG5 - GENDER EQUALITY
• SDG9 - INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Modulo di sports biomechanics

Basic principles of sensors and data acquisitions; Matlab programming; Concepts of biomechanics, kinematics and dynamics

An oral exam during which a project relating to a company or laboratory case study will be presented, followed by in-depth questions on the contents of the course

Subject knowledge and understanding is assessed through specific questions and application exercises.

Understanding is assessed through questions based on the topics covered during practical exercises.

Independent judgment and communication skills are assessed through open-ended questions.