Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series

The Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series is supported by the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports and sponsored by Vicon.

Lecture 1 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Alasdair Dempsey covers the biomechanics behind anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury mechanisms in sports, with reference to underlying mechanical principles such as moments and moment arms. He also discusses the evidence behind potential intervention strategies to prevent / reduce risk of ACL injuries in sports.

Lecture 2 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Paul Felton discusses the scientific literature on the topic of cricket bowling biomechanics. He covers both fast bowling and spin bowling, with reference to the underlying mechanical principles of linear and angular momentum, and conservation of momentum. Paul also presents a kinematic comparison of male and female bowlers.

Worthington paper: https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Elbow hyperextension paper:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Male vs female biomechanics paper:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Spin bowling biomechanics paper:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Spin range of motion paper:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Felton PhD thesis:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Sanders PhD thesis:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…

Lecture 4 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Johannes Funken presents a comparison of elite long jump biomechanics between athletes with and without a below the knee prosthesis. This comparison includes both kinetic and kinematic parameters. Discussions include whether athletes with a below the knee sports prosthesis are at an advantage or a disadvantage.

Willwacher et al., 2017 – https://www.nature.com/articles/s4159…
Funken et al., 2019, MSSE –
https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fu…
Funken et al., 2019, RSOS –
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/do…
Funken, 2019, PhD Thesis –
https://fis.dshs-koeln.de/portal/en/p…
Funken, 2019, JJBSE –
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…

Lecture 4 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Johannes Funken presents a comparison of elite long jump biomechanics between athletes with and without a below the knee prosthesis. This comparison includes both kinetic and kinematic parameters. Discussions include whether athletes with a below the knee sports prosthesis are at an advantage or a disadvantage.

Running footwear – Hoogkamer et al., 2018 – http://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0811-2
Running footwear – Hoogkamer et al., 2019 –
https://rdcu.be/bbOsv
2 hour marathon – Hoogkamer et al., 2017 –
http://rdcu.be/pKG5
Running economy vs time savings – Hoogkamer et al., 2016 –
http://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000…
Running economy vs time savings – Kipp et al., 2019 –
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00079
Drafting – Hoogkamer et al., 2018 –
https://rdcu.be/8Pim
Drafting – Hoogkamer et al., 2019 –
https://rdcu.be/bh0l2
Course design – Triska et al., 2019 –
https://doi.org/10.31236/osf.io/xrjvb

Lecture 5 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Wouter Hoogkamer presents a discussion of the scientific literature on the topic of running footwear and running economy. The talk includes specific reference to the sub 2 hour marathon attempts, even including alternative factors such as course design and drafting. The Nike Nike Vaporfly 4% running footwear is explained and assessed in detail.

Running footwear – Hoogkamer et al., 2018 – http://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0811-2
Running footwear – Hoogkamer et al., 2019 –
https://rdcu.be/bbOsv
2 hour marathon – Hoogkamer et al., 2017 –
http://rdcu.be/pKG5
Running economy vs time savings – Hoogkamer et al., 2016 –
http://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000…
Running economy vs time savings – Kipp et al., 2019 –
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00079
Drafting – Hoogkamer et al., 2018 –
https://rdcu.be/8Pim
Drafting – Hoogkamer et al., 2019 –
https://rdcu.be/bh0l2
Course design – Triska et al., 2019 –
https://doi.org/10.31236/osf.io/xrjvb

Lecture 6 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Pedro Morouço discusses the scientific literature on the topic of swimming biomechanics. The talk focuses on methods and techniques used to assess swimming biomechanics in the water and includes some interesting comparisons of upper and lower limb contributions, among other biomechanical factors.

Lecture 7 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Archit Navandar discusses the scientific literature relating to the topic of hamstring injuries in football / soccer. This talk has implications for other team sports or for running / sprinting. Archit talks through both internal and external risk factors for hamstring injuries in football, injury mechanisms, and both prehabilitation (prehab) and rehabilitation (rehab) methods, all with reference to elite sporting and football populations.

Lecture 8 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Neal Smith discusses the scientific literature on the topic of football / soccer kicking biomechanics. This includes an in-depth biomechanical breakdown of the kinematics of the soccer power kicking technique into separate phases, and specific reference to data from elite soccer players including Cristiano Ronaldo and his Knuckleball free kicks.

Worthington paper: https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Elbow hyperextension paper:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Male vs female biomechanics paper:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Spin bowling biomechanics paper:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Spin range of motion paper:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Felton PhD thesis:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…
Sanders PhD thesis:
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articl…

Lecture 9 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Céleste Wilkins presents an overview of scientific research on the topic of equestrian rider biomechanics – specifically focusing on the rider and the interactions between the horse and rider. This includes a comparison of elite and sub-elite riders, a discussion of pelvic tilt, and horse-rider coordination.

Lecture 10 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Alexandra Atack discusses the scientific literature on the topic of rugby biomechanics with a focus on place kicking biomechanics. Implications are discussed for similar kicking sports such as football / soccer, American football, and Australian rules football. As well as a detailed breakdown of rugby place kicking biomechanics, this talk includes a kinetic and kinematic comparison of players / shots that were successful, short, or inaccurate (wide).

Main papers discussed:
Atack et al., 2019:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Atack et al., 2019a:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Bezodis et al., 2019:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…

Papers referenced:
Linthorne & Stokes, 2014:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti…
Sinclair et al., 2014:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Zhang et al., 2012:
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/5d78…
Sinclair et al., 2017:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Bezodis et al., 2007:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Green et al., 2016:
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/990f…

Lecture 11 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Bill Baltzopoulos provides a discussion of the inverse dynamics approach used in biomechanics. This includes methods for the assessment of loading in the musculoskeletal system, an overview of modeling approaches, how to approach inverse dynamics, and a discussion of mechanical misconceptions / inverse dynamics terminology. The talk includes a series of recommendations for anybody using or reporting an inverse dynamics approach.

Derrick et al., 2019: ,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.20…
Nigg, B. M. (2007). Force System Analysis. In B. M. Nigg & W. Herzog (Eds.), Biomechanics of the Musculo-skeletal System. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Vigotsky et al., 2019:
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record….
Zajac et al., 2002:
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record….
Andrews, J. G. (1974). Biomechanical analysis of human motion. In J. G. Hay (Ed.), Kinesiology IV (pp. 32-42). Washington, D.C.: American Association for Health, Physical Education,and Recreation (AAHPER).
Paul, 1966:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/…

Lecture 12 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Bruce Elliott discusses the scientific research literature on the topic of tennis biomechanics. This includes an in-depth analysis of tennis equipment (racket and ball) for different stages of development, the serve and forehand, among other topics. Bruce also discusses the role of variability in human movement and in representative training design.

Bahamonde, 1997: https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Bahamonde & Knudson, 1999:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Davids, K., Bennett, S. & Newell, K. (2006). Variability in the Movement System: A Multi-disciplinary Perspective. Champaign, Ill, Human Kinetics. Elliott, B. (1981). Tennis racquet selection: A factor in early skill development. The Australian J. of Sport Sciences, September.
Elliott et al., 1995:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Farrow & Reid, 2010:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Fernandez-Fernandez et al., 2019:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Knudson, 1990: https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Landlinger et al., 2010:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat…
Seeley et al., 2011:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/…

Lecture 13 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Jacques Gay from Vicon presents an introduction to Vicon motion capture, a comparison of motion capture hardware and software alternatives, and a discussion of modeling techniques within motion capture. This talk is aimed at anybody interested in motion capture, from students to experienced researchers, and will hopefully provide something of benefit for all biomechanists.

Research Papers:
Conventional Gait Model Davis et al., 1991: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science…
Kadaba et al., 1990: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/a…

pyCGM2 Leboeuf et al., 2019: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science…

Oxford Foot Model:
Carson et al., 2001: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science…
Theologis et al., 2003: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1…
Stebbins et al., 2006: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science…
McCahill et al., 2008: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti…

SCoRE and SARA (including OCST*):
Ehrig et al., 2007: http://www.jbiomech.com/article/S0021…
Ehrig et al., 2006: http://www.jbiomech.com/article/S0021…
Ehrig & Heller, 2019: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science…
*Taylor et al., 2010: http://www.gaitposture.com/article/S0…

IOR:
Leardini et al., 2007: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1…

Bell:
Bell et al., 1989: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science…

Hara:
Hara et al., 2016: https://www.nature.com/articles/srep3…

Harrington:
Harrington et al., 2007: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science…

CAST:
Cappozzo et al., 1995: https://www.clinbiomech.com/article/0… 

Lecture 14 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Kristof Kipp discusses research on weightlifting biomechanics, including a comprehensive analysis of the kinetics and kinematics at the ankle, knee, and hip joints as well as the bar trajectory. He shares his ideas around measuring efficiency and future directions for weightlifting biomechanics research.

Many of Kristof’s weightlifting biomechanics research articles can be accessed on ResearchGate here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/…

Lecture 15 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Ina Janssen discusses her experiences of sports biomechanics within the Netherlands Olympic Team. This includes case studies from Olympic BMX start, para cycling bike fitting, long jump takeoff, handball (ACL), and volleyball (jumper’s knee).

Lecture 16 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Vicon present a practical demonstration of 3D motion capture, discussing the Vicon motion capture methodology along with a discussion of motion capture beyond the gait lab. This live demonstration includes live and post-processing, as well as real time biofeedback.

Main Website: www.vicon.com
Life Science Applications:
https://www.vicon.com/applications/li…
Nexus Software:
https://www.vicon.com/software/nexus/
Case Studies:
https://www.vicon.com/resources/case-…
Models and Scripts:
https://www.vicon.com/software/models…
Support contact: support@vicon.com
Vicon Documentation: docs.vicon.com

Lecture 17 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
JB Morin discusses force assessment application for sprint biomechanics. He takes us through an entertaining journey from historical sprint force measurement techniques through to the current day, and discusses the balance between lab and field-based sprint force testing and application.

Lecture 18 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Gareth Irwin discusses topics including motor control and gymnastics biomechanics, the coaching biomechanics interface, principles of gymnastics training, and the evolution of gymnastics skill and skill selection.

Functional Phases and Angular Momentum Characteristics of Tkatchev and Kovacs: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27160…
Inter-segmental Coordination in Progressions for the Longswing on High Bar:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17892…
Biomechanical Similarities of Progressions for the Longswing on High Bar:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16138…
Musculoskeletal Demands of Progressions for the Longswing on High Bar:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17933…
Musculoskeletal Work Preceding the Outward and Inward Tkachev on Uneven Bars in Artistic Gymnastics:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20446…
The Conceptual Process of Skill Progression Development in Artistic Gymnastics:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16194…
Influence of Longswing Technique on the Kinematics and Key Release Parameters of the Straddle Tkachev on Uneven Bars:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21936…
Multidimensional Joint Coupling: A Case Study Visualisation Approach to Movement Coordination and Variability:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29912…
The Influence of the Vaulting Table on the Handspring Front Somersault:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19705…
Whole-body and Multi-Joint Kinematic Control Strategy Variability During Backward Rotating Dismounts From Beam:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21756…
Kinematic Changes During Learning the Longswing on High Bar:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22518…
Changes in Joint Kinetics During Learning the Longswing on High Bar:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24860…
Coordination as a Function of Skill Level in the Gymnastics Longswing:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26087…

Lecture 19 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Delsys present an overview of electromyography (EMG) techniques and application within sports biomechanics. Topics include: foundation of neural control; EMG challenges and recommendations; EMG demonstration; analysis of EMG; and exploring motor unit control.

De Luca CJ. The Use of Surface Electromyography in Biomechanics. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 1997. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.13.2.135
De Luca CJ, Gilmore LD, Kuznetsov M, and Roy SH. Filtering the Surface EMG signal: Movement artifact and baseline noise contamination. Journal of Biomechanics, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2010.01.027

De Luca CJ, Kuznetsov M, Gilmore LD, and Roy SH. Inter-electrode spacing of surface EMG sensors: Reduction of crosstalk contamination during voluntary contractions. Journal of Biomechanics, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2011.11.010

De Luca CJ, Chang SS, Roy SH, Kline JC, Nawab SH. Decomposition of Surface EMG Signals from Cyclic Dynamic Contractions. Journal of Neurophysiology, 2015.

De Luca CJ and Contessa P. Hierarchical control of motor units in voluntary contraction. Journal of Neurophysiology, 2012 https://doi.org/10.1152%2Fjn.00555.2014

Lecture 20 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Kristin Sainani presents a ‘nuts and bolts’ lecture, explaining fundamental concepts in statistics. This includes standard error, confidence intervals, p-values, hypothesis testing, and minimal effects testing. The examples are from sports science but are relevant for many disciplines.

10 common stats mistakes in 5 minutes video
How many participants do I need?
Sports Biomechanics editorial: Recommendations for statistical analysis involving null hypothesis significance testing: https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2020…
Free online statistics resources: https://www.stuartmcnaylor.com/statis…
Kristin’s second lecture on ‘Tips for Scientific Writing’:
Kristin’s stats column in PM&R: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/t…
Stats training Kristin offers through Stanford professional development:
https://online.stanford.edu/programs/…

Lecture 21 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Dario Cazzola discusses his biomechanics research estimating spinal loading in rugby activities, including experimental data and computer simulations.

Cervical Spine Injuries: A Whole-Body Musculoskeletal Model for the Analysis of Spinal Loading https://journals.plos.org/plosone/art…
Musculoskeletal modelling of the human cervical spine for the investigation of injury mechanisms during axial impacts:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/art…

Lecture 22 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Todd Pataky presents a comparison and discussion of discrete (e.g. maximum or minimum forces or angles) and continuous (e.g. statistical parametric mapping [SPM]) data analysis techniques in biomechanics.

spm1d main site: https://spm1d.org
Public forum for spm1d; general statistics questions welcome!
https://github.com/0todd0000/spm1d/is…
Overview of continuous analysis:
https://spm1d.org/doc/Theory/tests1d….
Overview of Random Field Theory:
https://spm1d.org/rft1d/Theory.html
Power analysis for continuous data (Python only):
https://spm1d.org/power1d/

Lecture 23 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Sam Allen presents his research using computer simulation to study triple jump biomechanics from a theoretical perspective. The presentation includes a comparison of single and double arm techniques, a discussion of vertical and horizontal velocity trade-offs, and an optimisation of hop, step, and jump phase ratios.

Lecture 24 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS Wendy Holliday presents a lecture on cycling biomechanics, including: muscle patterns and kinematics of the cyclist; bicycle configuration; and practical tips for cyclingbiomechanics studies.

Lecture 25 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
John Drazan presents some of his research and experience in engaging youth in STEM through sport science and biomechanics outreach activities.

4th Family: http://4thfamily.org/ Court Science: https://courtscience.ca/
Tomorrow’s Stars Foundation:
https://tomorrowsstars.org/
ASB East Coast Meeting:
https://sites.psu.edu/asb2020/
John’s Google Scholar:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?…
National Biomechanics Day:
http://thebiomechanicsinitiative.org/

Lecture 26 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Tony Myers presents an overview of Bayesian statistics for sport and exercise science, including intuitive examples and demonstrations.

Some useful links from the Bayesian Sport Science lecture:
2016 ASA Statement:
https://doi.org/10.1080/00031305.2016…
The American Statistician Editorial 2019:
https://doi.org/10.1080/00031305.2019…
The American Statistician Special Issue:
https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/utas2…

Some examples of sport science studies using Bayesian statistics (with Tony as an author):
Myers et al., 2020 (Swimming):
https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2020…
Dugdale et al., 2020 (Soccer):
https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020…
Cullen et al., 2019 (Sleep):
https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2019…
Ellis et al., 2019 (Caffeine / Soccer):
https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0536

Lecture 27 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Kristin Sainani presents a series of tips and tricks for successful scientific writing. This includes an analysis of real scientific writing examples and a detailed guide to concise and effective writing techniques.

More from Kristin:
Scientific writing course on Coursera:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/sciwrite
Medical Statistics certificate program on Stanford Online: https://online.stanford.edu/programs/…
Statistically Speaking column at PM&R: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/t…

Recent webinars:
Statistics in Sports Science
How to Be a Statistical Detective
Effective Data Visualization: https://learn.stanford.edu/webinar-ef…
Principles of Effective Statistics

Lecture 28 of the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series #SportsBiomLS
Walter Herzog presents a lecture on the fundamentals of muscle mechanics. This includes: basic structure of muscles and sarcomeres; the sliding filament, cross-bridge and three filament model of muscle contraction; and how these muscle mechanics models relate to the force-length relationship, force-velocity relationship, and force-time properties of muscle (with sporting examples).

30 Years of Motion Capture and Pose Estimation. Dr Scott Selbie, CEO of Theia Markerless and Director of Research at C-Motion, presents “My Life with Pose Estimation”. Scott Selbie discusses the past, present, and future of pose estimation, including comparisons of marker-based and markerless motion capture systems and approaches. Scott discusses the evaluation and validation of various approaches, anatomical reference frames, soft tissue artefact, tracking and observability, amongst other topics.