EXSC 550 Advanced Biomechanical Analysis

This course involves the application of mechanical principles, quantitative analysis of human movement, and advanced study of biomechanical instrumentation systems. Critical analysis of current research in the field of biomechanics is also emphasized.

The purpose of this course is to provide future clinicians and researchers in exercise science with an extensive knowledge base of the principles, theories, and concepts concerning quantitative analysis of human movement. This course will prepare the student to both utilize and analyze video, force, and electromyographic data in EXSC 551, Advanced Biomechanics Lab, and in his/her future exercise science career. In addition, the student will also enhance his/her analytical skills through biomechanical research evaluation and review.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 450 words, demonstrate course-related knowledge, and provide a total of 2 citations from any of the following sources: peer-reviewed journal articles, published textbooks, or publications directly associated with the content being discussed. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words, engage with course-related knowledge, and include at least 1 citation from any of the following sources: peer-reviewed journal articles, published textbooks, or published books directly associated with the content being discussed.

Article Review Assignments (2)

The student will critically analyze 2 research articles that utilize biomechanical tools discussed in this course. Each article review assignment will be at least 2 pages (double spaced, 12-point font) and consist of the following sections: objectives, methods, results, summary, critique, and question/application. 

Analyzing Sport Skills Assignment

Based on the information presented in the Burkett textbook chapter on Analyzing Sport Skills and the chapter on Identifying and Correcting Errors in Sport Skills, the student will write a 4 to 5 page (double-spaced) paper on how to analyze, identify, and correct errors in sport skills. Also, in the last section of the paper, the student will discuss how to incorporate 2D video analysis when analyzing sport skills based upon information presented in Watch: 2D Video Analysis of Sport Skills Part 1 and Watch: 2D Video Analysis of Sport Skills Part 2.

PowerPoint Assignment

The student will compose a 12-slide PowerPoint presentation on the biomechanical analysis of a chosen sport skill or strength & conditioning skill/technique. The student will also utilize free biomechanical software (or free cellphone app) to measure joint angles of the body during 3 key phases of the chosen skill. Each slide in the PowerPoint notes section must contain at least 75 words, and the final slide must include at least 2 scientific references from peer-reviewed journals in addition to the course textbook and the Bible.

Quizzes (3)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the Module: Week in which it is assigned. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes; contain true/false, multiple-choice, and/or matching questions; and have a 90-minute time limit.