Experimental Methods in Biomechanics and Motor Control

Catalog description

Introduces the theory and practice behind the primary experimental methods used in biomechanics and motor control. KINES 575 Experimental Methods in Biomechanics and Motor Control (3) Biomechanics and motor control share a common methodology for recording and analyzing human movement. This course is designed to introduce students to the theory and practice behind the primary experimental methods used in biomechanics and motor control. At the end of the course students should have an increased understanding of the experimental methods used in biomechanics and motor control, and experience at implementing these methods. Topics to be covered include: signal processing, electromyography, motion analysis, force measurement, anthropometry, joint kinematics in two- and three-dimensions, joint kinetics, modeling, error propagation, and scaling and dimensional analysis.Lectures will be used to introduce students to the theory behind a measurement technique. Readings will be used to provide supplementary examples of how these techniques are applied in the analysis of human movement. The techniques will be illustrated with MATLAB routines, with data sets provided so the students can experience how the data must be manipulated to provide meaningful results. Assessments will focus on students understandings of the techniques, their implementation, and interpretation of their output.The course will provide a solid foundation for students wanting to understand how the data they are reading about has been produced, and the limitations in such data. Students will also have the background required to become independent in their data collection and processing in the analysis of human movement in both biomechanics and motor control.Evaluation will include exams, class presentations and a portfolio. It is anticipated that this course will be offered every spring semester with a maximum enrollment of 15.