Human Motion & Essential Co-factors for Performance Optimisation

This narrative hopes to provide basic insight into the world of sports performance and rehabilitation to all those who may be interested in this subject either as: students, sports science, therapist, sports enthusiasts, institutions, or as consumers of health and sports performance services.

This narrative is delivered with the purpose of stimulating thought, interest and collaborative effort into the Science and Art of Human Movement, and hopes to expand the realm of Kinaesthetic Intelligence, Performance, & Recovery Management. This narrative is by no means definitive or complete, and does not constitute as being medical advice in any

(Excerpts of Corporate Creed) Kompass Health Associates© 2002

Throw a stone into the sports and rehabilitation arena today an you will most like likely hit someone who is conducting a biomechanics assessment or motion analysis on either an injured party hoping to recover, or an athlete wanting answers to performance issues.

So then; What is Biomechanics and what role does it play in sports performance and rehabilitation?

Some consider biomechanics in a mechanical manner, where the body is a machine influenced by internal and external forces, acting on it to produce a given motion and pattern. However this is only partially true, as a machine regardless of its complexities and efficiency is most certainly NOT alive. Therefore, human Bio-Mechanics which is indeed highly complex, must consider the bio-neurological, bio-chemical, bio-physical, and psycho-social aspect of each individual as illustrated in the diagram below.

Biomechanics assessments may be carried out either qualitatively or quantitatively. Bartlett (2007), commented that most graduates from various rehabilitative and sports disciplines would in the majority be conducting qualitative assessments rather than quantitative ones. This in my view is inadequate, and may be the choice or trend where there is little or no need for precision. However if precision is required, then quantification and verification becomes necessary, and this can only be accomplished utilising sound cutting edge techniques and technology.

As emphasised earlier human movement is a highly complex function, right from the default movement pattern of everyday gait (walking), to pole-vaulting as an example.

This narrative focuses specifically on The Laws of Motion and the essential co-factors that produce the efficiency of motion and performance. It does not address the co-essential factor of nutrition, environment & equipment.

Motion in its very nature be it in sports or activities of daily living, requires constant change in bodily positions, balance, speed, velocity etc.

When measuring motion several components are required:

 Distance in either liner or curved motion

 Balance & Displacement

 Speed

 Velocity

 Acceleration

 Momentum

This already highlights the insufficiencies of a purely qualitative assessment. (Note: video analysis alone does NOT constitute a quantitative analysis)