Evidence-Based Sports Biomechanics

Laboratory work consists of a practical class in which students:

1. Familiarise yourself with the operating principles of the biomechanical data recording system (e.g. inertia sensors, power platforms, video analysis or optical motion perception systems);
2. A short test shall be performed to record movement, force and physiological parameters in a selected movement (e.g. run, squat or vertical jump);
3. The data obtained shall be analysed by comparing the accuracy of the measurements and identifying possible sources of error;
4. Discusses the importance of data reliability in biomechanics studies and their impact on the interpretation of results.

Work assignment for submission:

Students prepare a brief minutes of laboratory work (page 1-2), which includes:

• description of equipment used and measurement procedures,
• main results and a brief conclusion on the reliability of the data.

During the laboratory, students:

1. Familiarise yourself with motion analysis equipment and software;
2. Registering movement for a selected movement task (e.g. run, jump, throw or rowing train);
3. Obtain data on movement stages, speed, acceleration, angular changes and force distribution;
4. Learn the steps for synchronization of measurements, data cleanup, and initial interpretation;
5. Document the results obtained in the laboratory minutes.

Work assignment for submission:

Students shall prepare a minutes of laboratory work (1-2 pages) containing the specification of the equipment, the description of the movement task, the main results and brief conclusions on the effectiveness of the movement.

In a laboratory lesson, students:

1. Familiarise yourself with the theoretical basics of ergometry and the structure of different ergometers;
2. Acquire procedures for recording biomechanical and physiological parameters using the selected ergometer;
3. Carry out practical measurements of power, force, energy consumption and movement efficiency at different levels of effort;
4. Document the measurement minutes in compliance with safety and standardisation requirements;
5. Initial data processing and brief comparative analysis between the participants or test conditions shall be carried out.

Work assignment for submission:

Students submit a minutes of laboratory work (page 1-2) that includes:

• description of the ergometer and minutes used,
• key biomechanical indicators,
• interpretation of short data and conclusions.

During the laboratory, students:

1. Perform motion analysis during running or running using inertia sensors, power platforms or video analysis systems;
2. Determine gait cycle phases, force response parameters, range of motion and stability indicators (e.g. fluctuations in the total mass centre);
3. Analyse measurements under different conditions, with fatigue effects, different speeds or surfaces;
4. The results obtained shall be documented and compared between individuals or circumstances when discussing engine control adaptations.

Work assignment for submission:

Students shall prepare a laboratory minutes (page 2-3) containing:

• study task and method,
• equipment description,
• results (tables/graphs),
• brief conclusions on locomotion stability and adaptation.

During the laboratory, students:

1. Familiarise yourself with power and power measuring devices (power platforms, linear transducers, contact meters, dynamometers, etc.) and EMG recording equipment;
2. Practically perform a motion or exercise test (e.g. squat, vertical jump, pull, pressure) recording force and EMG data;
3. Processes acquired signals – filter, normalise and calculate muscle activation parameters (e.g. median EMG, activation time, amplitude);
4. Analyse the strength-to-speed-to-power-time relationship, linking to the muscle pattern and the efficiency of sports performance;
5. Evaluate the sources of measurement errors, the importance of electrode placement and data reproducibility.

Work assignment for submission:

Students shall prepare a minutes of laboratory work (page 2-3) containing:

• description of equipment and test used,
• main strength and EMG results (graphs, tables),
• brief conclusions on muscle activation patterns and strength-speed ratios.

In a laboratory (field) class, students:

1. Familiarise yourself with the operating principles of the various mobile biomechanics systems (e.g. RunScribe, WIMU, Noraxon, Vicon Blue Trident, etc.);
2. Practically registering movement on a selected sporting task (e.g. run, jump, throw, sprint stage);
3. Analyse the quality of the signals obtained, synchronise the data between the sensors and compare them with laboratory measurements (if possible);
4. Assess the accuracy and reproducibility of measurements under different motion conditions;
5. Discusses the benefits and limitations of mobile motion analysis in sports biomechanics.

Work assignment for submission:

Students prepare a field testing minutes (page 2-3) that includes:

• description of sensors used and test procedure,
• indicators obtained (e.g. speed, cadence, vertical oscillation, force calculation, etc.),
• data quality assessment and conclusions on the suitability of the system for sports research.

The aim of the seminar is to deepen students’ understanding of the latest research into sports biomechanics and to promote the ability to critically analyse scientific papers, research design and the practical significance of results. Students are encouraged to consult current publications, discuss research methods used, data acquisition technologies and interpretation strategies. During the seminar, group discussions take place on the practical importance of different research directions (e.g. locomotion analysis, strength-to-power relationship research, biomechanical stability models, mobile motion analysis, etc.) in the context of sports training and research. Students prepare a short presentation or summary (5-7 min) analysing one selected scientific paper from the last five years, highlighting its methodological solutions, interpretation of results and potential applications in sports practice.

During the seminar, students learn practical skills in the data processing process, from cleaning and preparing data to interpreting results. Real study data (such as motion, force, or EMG measurements) processed using spreadsheets and statistical tools (such as Excel, R, or Python) are used.

In the course of the discussion, students analyse the impact of different data processing strategies on results and their interpretation in the context of sport. The visualization principles for results are also considered - graphs, time series display, histograms, and correlation charts.

Terms of reference:

Each student is tasked with producing a brief example of data analysis in which:

• data preparation and cleaning (e.g. noise filtration, normalisation),
• calculation of key biomechanical indicators (e.g. force, power, time parameters, stability indicators),
• visualisation of results and brief description of interpretation (1-2 pages).

Relationship to laboratory work:

Seminar is based on the results of the laboratory work “Motion analysis method in Sports Biomechanics”. Each student or group of students uses their acquired motion analysis data to interpret and present them, linking them to theoretical basics and principles of sports biomechanics.

Description of the seminar:

in the seminar, students analyse the kinematic and dynamic indicators obtained in the laboratory, evaluate the effectiveness of movement, symmetry and conformity of the technique with biomechanical principles. The discussions compare different approaches to motion analysis and their practical importance across different sports.

Students prepare a short presentation (5-7 min) on the interpretation of their analysis results, highlighting:

• the method used and the indicators obtained,
• the main biomechanical trends in movement,
• possible technical improvements,
• analysis of errors and limitations.

The seminar is based directly on the results of the laboratory work “ergometry”. Each student or team uses their findings to conduct analysis, comparison and interpretation in accordance with biomechanics principles and sports practice needs.

Description of the seminar:

During the seminar, students present their ergometry test results and discuss:

• the reliability and reproducibility of the data;
• the relationship between biomechanical and physiological indicators in different types of ergometers;
• methods for calculating energy costs and mechanical efficiency;
• the importance of standardisation of minutes and safety aspects in sports research.
• Various examples of ergometry applications – training control, rehabilitation and biomechanical diagnostics – are also discussed during the discussion.

Result:

After the seminar, students are able to:

• Analyse and interpret the results of the ergometry tests;
• Assess the quality of measurements and methodological limitations;
• Apply ergometry data to the analysis of sports performance and biomechanical efficiency;
• Discuss the importance of standardisation of minutes in scientific research.

The seminar is based directly on the results of the laboratory work “biomechanics and motor control of locomocytes”. Each student or group presents their measurement results, analyzes motor controls and discusses changes in biomechanical parameters under different motion conditions.

Description of the seminar:

At the seminar, students present their data, discuss aspects of movement coordination and stability, and analyze how fatigue, speed changes or environmental conditions affect movement strategies. The discussion compares the results of measurements between groups, looking for biomechanical and neurophysiological reasons for differences in movement control.

Students prepare a presentation (7-10 min) with visual data (graphs, video snippets), including interpretation and conclusions.

In the seminar, students analyze theoretical models of motor control and their practical application in sports and clinical biomechanics. Movement planning, execution and correction mechanisms are discussed, as well as the importance of the integration of sensory information in the accuracy and stability of movements.

Special attention is paid to motor learning and adaptation processes - how athletes improve motion automation, how the body responds to fatigue or environmental changes, and how these processes are reflected in biomechanical parameters.

The seminar uses both theoretical examples and fragments of real motion analysis data to link motor control principles to biomechanical measurements.

Terms of reference:

Each student produces a short analysis (1-2 pp) or an oral presentation (5-7 min) on a selected aspect of motor control, such as:

• the importance of sensory feedback for movement coordination;
• adaptation of movements due to fatigue or exercise;
• biomechanical indicators for motor learning;
• biomechanical manifestation of motor control disorders (e.g. after injury or neurological damage).

The seminar is based directly on biomechanical analysis of the strength and speed characteristics of laboratory work. Electromyography for data. Each student or group presents their measurement results and analyzes the correlation between muscle activation and biomechanical metrics.

Description of the seminar:

During the seminar, students present the results of the strength, speed and EMG analysis, discussing:

• differences in strength and speed profile in different exercises or sports;
• synchronisation and effectiveness of muscle activation;
• the importance of strength-to-power relationships in optimising the training process;
• practical application of electromyography data in biomechanical research and performance diagnostics.

In discussions, students compare their results with theoretical models and studies described in literature, analysing possible influencing factors - fatigue, technique performance, load, etc.

The seminar is based on the results of the laboratory work “Mobile Motion analysis methods in Sports Biomechanics”. Each student or group presents their field testing data, analyzes measurement quality and interprets biomechanical metrics.

Description of the seminar:

Students present their results at the seminar and discuss:

• the accuracy and scope of application of mobile motion analysis systems;
• differences between laboratory and field data;
• the effect of sensor position, synchronisation and data filtering on results;
• examples where mobile technologies improve the availability of research and training analysis.
• Students use practical examples, video snippets or graphs to illustrate how data is interpreted.

The purpose of the exam is to

assess the student’s ability to integrate theoretical knowledge, analytical skills and practical understanding in the field of sports biomechanics. The final examination examines knowledge of motion analysis, biomechanical processes, research methods and motor control principles, as well as the skills to critically analyse and present scientific information on a topical biomechanical topic.

Exam structure

The exam consists of four components which together form the final assessment:

1. Theoretical issues – examine knowledge of basic principles of sports biomechanics, movement analysis, research methods and motor control mechanisms;
2. Practical task: interpretation of biomechanical data or evaluation of an example of motion analysis using the methods learned in the course (using examples of laboratory work);
3. Discussion question – brief reasoned discussion on a topical topic of research in sports biomechanics or movement control;
4. Presentation of the report – presentation of an individual research paper (5-7 min) in which the student demonstrates the ability to analyse scientific literature, synthesize information and substantiate conclusions.

Three questions are drawn for the student (part 1-3) and the pre-prepared presentation of the report is also evaluated. Preparation time for the theoretical part – up to 20 minutes.

Description of the report

The report is an individual research work of a student on a selected topic of sports biomechanics or movement analysis. The relevance of the topic to the problem of the student’s master thesis is also permissible.

Objective of the work: Demonstrate capability:

• critically analyse and compare scientific sources;
• synthesise theoretical and practical information;
• formulate conclusions based on the latest research and its application in sports practice.

Structure: introduction – analysis – conclusions – literature (4-6 pages, no annexes). The report should demonstrate understanding of the methods of obtaining, processing and interpreting biomechanical data and linking them to improving sports performance.

Report presentation:

The presentation takes place during the exam (5-7 minutes) using visuals (such as PowerPoint, graphics, or data snippets).

Assessment of exam

• 9-10: with distinction – deep understanding, ability to synthesize theory with data, reasoned analysis and professional presentation.
• 6-8: OK – sufficient theoretical and practical understanding with minor weaknesses in bonding or terminology.
• 4-5: sufficient – general understanding, lack of critical analysis and reasoning.
• 3-0: insufficient – significant errors or in knowledge