Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
LE11 3TU
+44 (0)1509 263171
Loughborough University

Sports Biomechanics and Motor Control Research

SB & MC

Sports Biomechanics and Motor Control

Sports biomechanics seeks to gain an understanding of the mechanics of sports movements. Such questions as how the approach speed, leg plant angle and knee angle affect high jumping performance may be addressed experimentally. Questions such as why high jumpers use a curved approach may be answered using computer simulation modelling. Both approaches are evident in the research articles listed in the following pages.

Motor control goes beyond the mechanics of movement and seeks to gain an understanding of sports technique from a perspective of coordination and neuro-muscular control. Thus while sports biomechanics may explain why a double straight somersault is mechanically unstable, motor control aims to answer how the instability may be controlled using in-flight corrections based upon proprioceptive feedback. Again computer simulation is a powerful tool for such investigations.

Research publications

Current research projects

Optimising fast bowling performance in cricket
3D markerless motion capture of fast bowling
Technique and performance in batting against short pitch bowling
Investigating appropriate pitch length for junior age group cricket
Optimum performance in the badminton smash
Speed and accuracy in badminton smashing and tennis serving

Variability in springboard diving
Maximisation of rotation potential in forward somersaulting dives
Maximisation of rotation potential in forward somersaults on trampoline
Limits for producing twist during second somersault in trampolining
Accelerated whip backs in tumbling

Control of giant circles on high bar
Release windows for Kovacs regrasp skill on high bar
Learning strategies for the upstart on horizontal bar
Learning to balance in upright and inverted stance
Control of balance in upright and inverted stance
Head movement and viewing during double somersaults with twist
Balance in dance

Optimum technique in triple jumping
How to become the ideal endurance runner
Using the biomechanics of sprint running to inform strength and conditioning regimes
Longitudinal effects of strength and conditioning of the golf athlete

Mathematical descriptions of in vivo muscle function
Explosive force and joint stability: the Effect of Acute and Chronic Exercise
Hamstrings muscle structure and function and the antecedents of hamstrings injury
Hip and knee joint loading of karate players during training and competition
Effect of joint compression and soft tissue motion on force transmission
Soft tissue motion during impacts
Developing concussion tests in a fully interactive environment
Designing a robotic running foot for footwear testing

Neuromuscular underpinnings of asymmetrical human movement
Optimising neuromuscular function in amputees following very severe injury (VSI)
Neuromechanical risk factors of Achilles tendinopathy
Force dissipation in the lower limb
Biomechanical changes with development of fatigue during running
Strategies to reduce injuries in youth hockey players

Current Researchers

The Team as of Summer 2015

Visiting Academics

PhD Graduates