Understanding Biomechanical Analysis in Sports

Whenever I look back and recall those glorious moments in the history of Sports, it always fills me up with pride and respect. From India’s 1983 World Cup Victory to Michael Phelps retirement after winning the 23rd gold medal in Rio Olympics 2016, sports certainly provides everyone with some wonderful stories to remember. However, there is a lot that goes into the process of attaining such remarkable feats. It’s an amalgamation of various factors that play an important role and understanding science of the physical movement is one of them, also known as Biomechanical Analysis.                    

What is Biomechanical Analysis?

Biomechanics is the physics of human motion and describes the forces which cause this movement. Researchers study each aspect of a movement in order to enhance performance and understand the mechanisms of injury. For example - the Biomechanical Analysis of Walking, in which the forces produced by each foot contacting the ground are examined. This results in less energy expenditure and further decreases the likelihood of an injury.

What is the role of Biomechanical analysis in sports?

To perform consistently well without breaking down is not an easy task. On several occasions, we witness athletes not being able to deliver their best on the final day. For this reason, sportspersons are always trying and finding ways to get faster and stronger with minimal injuries. Biomechanics here comes to the rescue by improving the athletic performance, minimizing injuries and providing more opportunities to grow in the field of sports. On the basis of this study, professionals can apply the principles to understand where muscles, joints, and bones come into play during physical activities. Athletes and coaches can make sound decisions for developing efficient techniques with the help of Biomechanical Analysis in Sports.

Benefits of Biomechanical Analysis

• Improves Technique: By discovering and more effective technique to perform a particular skill and then rectifying it further if arises. Like in biomechanical analysis of running, certain indicators are examined like a hip extension, shoulder extension, etc. Once identified, these factors are then addressed through the use of soft-tissue techniques such as Active Release Technique and Medical Acupuncture. Thus, leading to better performance.
• Better equipment: Improving the design of the equipment like helmets, racquets, etc to reduce injury.
• Improvement in Training: Coaches and Trainers with the application of biomechanical analysis can modify the action of an athlete in order to enhance the execution of a skill.
• Advanced Biomechanical Rehabilitation: It is a therapy to improve the muscle tone and for the arms and legs to develop increasing muscle mass and also to improve overall strength. Sometimes for athletes, injury can become a hindrance and therapy is the best way to bring them back to their best shape.

Conclusion

There is no doubt about the fact that sport is a highly competitive field! Players always have to work hard and biomechanical analysis definitely plays an important role in helping them perform at the most efficient level possible.

Next Olympics i.e Tokyo, 2020 is just around the corner! With the help of Biomechanical analysis, it’s not too late to identify the movements of an athlete, work on their deficiencies and then, train them accordingly to experience golden moments at the upcoming Olympics.