B8963 - ATTIVITÀ TECNICO PRATICHE DI BIOMECCANICA APPLICATA

Learning outcomes

Through the technical-practical activities, students will acquire specific practical and applied skills that will enable them to use the main tools for biomechanical analysis of physical exercise, from defining the data acquisition protocol to interpreting the results.

Course contents

Structure of the Activities

The technical-practical activities are organized into three lab sessions, each focused on a complementary area of movement analysis. In each session, students will have the opportunity to directly use various technologies, allowing them to compare their advantages and limitations.

For each tool, the activities will include:

• Possible calibration
• Definition of the data acquisition protocol
• Data collection
• Critical data analysis, with a focus on evaluating the reliability of the measurements

The motor tasks analyzed will be specific to adapted physical exercise and adapted motor activity, including:

• Posture
• Gait
• Sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit transitions
• Upper limb reaching

Areas of Work and Tools Used in the Three Sessions

1. Kinematics

• Marker-based and markerless video analysis
• 2D and 3D analysis
• Infrared cameras and standard RGB cameras (e.g., GoPro, webcam, smartphone)

2. Dynamics

• Force platforms
• Pressure and force insoles

3. Wearable Sensors

• Bipolar surface electromyography (sEMG)
• Inertial measurement units (IMUs)

Readings/Bibliography

Jacquelin Perry, "Gait Analysis: Normal and Pathological Function", Slack Incorporated.

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

Teaching methods

After a brief introductory phase reviewing theoretical concepts, students will be divided into small groups to allow them to directly engage with the practical challenges of using various technologies commonly found in a movement analysis laboratory.
The different technological solutions will be made available to the students, who—under supervision—will set up data acquisition and critically evaluate the results obtained.

In consideration of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance in this learning activity requires all students to complete Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-places], and to participate in Module 3, which provides specific training on health and safety in study environments. Information regarding the dates and attendance procedures for Module 3 can be found in the dedicated section of the degree program website.

Assessment methods

At the end of each lab session, students will be required to answer one question for each technology used, in order to assess their actual understanding of the technical-practical activities carried out.
The evaluation of this module will contribute 2 out of 30 points to the final grade of the integrated course APPLIED BIOENGINEERING TO EXERCISE (C.I.).
To be eligible for assessment, students must attend at least two out of the three scheduled lab sessions.

Teaching tools

To support student engagement in the learning process, phases of active learning and competency-based teaching will be included, along with instructional strategies focused on self-assessment.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Fantozzi