B8765 - TECNOLOGIE PER L'ANALISI DEL MOVIMENTO SPORTIVO

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student:-understands biomechanics applied to sport and the technological solutions for motion analysis aimed at optimizing performance and reducing injury risk;-is able to calculate forces in a statically balanced system and to recognize both the application potential and the limitations of the main tools used for kinematic and dynamic measurements.

Course contents

The course is structured to progressively guide students through the theoretical foundations and practical applications of biomechanical analysis of exercise.

The first part is dedicated to basic theory, providing essential biomechanical knowledge needed to understand the physical and mechanical principles underlying human movement. This section is fundamental for developing a critical awareness in the use of instrumentation and in the interpretation of acquired data.

Subsequently, the course explores the operating principles of the instruments used in biomechanical analysis, illustrating correct usage procedures, main limitations, and performance differences among various technologies.

Finally, the technical-practical activities included in the integrated module allow students to directly apply the concepts learned, fostering the acquisition of operational skills through hands-on interaction with the equipment.

Basic Theory

• Introduction to biomechanics: main objectives (performance optimization and injury prevention).
• Kinematics: linear and angular (position, velocity, acceleration); specific terminology related to the human body.
• Statics and dynamics: Newton’s laws, free-body diagrams, concentrated and distributed forces, degrees of freedom. Center of mass, anthropometric tables, center of pressure, moment of force, moment of inertia. Angular interpretation of Newton’s laws, axioms of statics, constraint reactions, and mechanical constraints.
• Statics exercises: practical applications involving the shoulder, elbow, and hip.
  

Technologies

• RGB cameras: marker-based and markerless video analysis.
• Optoelectronic stereophotogrammetry: acquisition, calibration, and reconstruction of three-dimensional joint kinematics; experimental protocols, instrumental errors, misplacement of anatomical landmarks, soft tissue artifacts.
• Electromyography (EMG): signal origin, influencing factors, guidelines for proper acquisition and interpretation, types of analysis.
• Force platforms: technology, operation, calibration, center of pressure, external joint moments, and joint power.
• Wearable inertial sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer; operation, calibration, and applications in gait analysis.
• Pressure insoles: operation, calibration, and usage.

Readings/Bibliography

AA.VV., “Bioingegneria della Postura e del Movimento”, Collana del Gruppo Nazionale di Bioingegneria, vol. 22, Patron ed., 2003

Peter M. McGinnis, "Biomechanics of Exercise and Sport", 2nd Edition, Human Kinetics, 2004

D.Gordon, Robertson, Graham, Caldewll, Hamill, Kamem, Whittlesey, "Research Methods in Biomechanics", Human Kinetics, 2004

Teaching methods

Classroom-based lectures

Assessment methods

Written exam with optional oral component, aimed at assessing the student’s learning.

The written exam is divided into three parts:

• The first part focuses on basic theory and consists of multiple-choice questions (5 points).
• The second part is a statics exercise (11 points).
• The third part is an open-ended question on instrumentation (12 points).

An additional 2 points are awarded based on the evaluation of the technical-practical activities related to the integrated module of the course.

Teaching tools

Whiteboard, video projector

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Fantozzi