Biomechanical Analysis & Assessment

Run faster, jump higher, be stronger! Unlock your athletic potential with a biomechanical assessment.

Have you ever wondered why top athletes, of any discipline, look so graceful when they compete? Or how their bodies are able to hold up to the demands of high level competition? Or maybe even why others cannot?

A major factor in the way an athlete moves is termed as their ‘biomechanics’. Simply put, biomechanics is the evaluation of how someone moves when performing a particular task. Whether this is Michael Clarke timing a cover drive to perfection, or a weekend warrior kicking a footy, the principles are the same. Correct biomechanics provide efficient movement, which in turn results in optimal force transference through the joints and soft tissues. Not only can this be a factor in reducing injury risk, but also to help improve performance.

What is a biomechanical assessment?

So what can you expect from a biomechanical screen? Typically a biomechanical assessment will include observation of your posture and joint alignment, measurement of joint range of movement, muscle power testing and analysis of functional tasks related to your chosen sport or activity. This might be as simple as observing you squat or looking at the way you serve a tennis ball.

Any abnormalities that are identified in the assessment can be classified into two categories. Some cannot be changed, such as having one leg longer than the other, which are classified as static abnormalities. But there are a wide range of other abnormalities that come under the category of functional or secondary that can be rectified. Examples of these may be a muscle imbalance around the pelvis, poor running technique overloading the patellar tendon at the front of the knee, or a lack of muscle control around the shoulder blade.

A physiotherapist’s assessments can identify factors that you may be fully aware of, or something a little more subtle but they could be preventing you from achieving your full potential in your chosen activities.

Biomechanical analysis

The way a physio looks to correct these abnormalities depends on the causative factors. They look at ways to improve technique by re-training movement patterns, but prior to this flexibility and strength issues identified in the initial assessment will need to be addressed. An individualised exercise program will be key, whilst manual therapy and dry needling will play a massive part in facilitating the changes to muscle recruitment patterns.

A small increase in your spinal range of movement maybe the difference that helps you reach the ball before your opponent in hockey and deflect in your team’s penalty corner, and likewise having the endurance to make a last minute sprint onto a through ball in soccer might turn you into a match winner.

Conclusion

So, if you’re looking to maximise your performance or eliminate frustrating niggles, a biomechanical assessment will help you on your way. Through proper analysis & assessment you can be running fater, jumping higher than ever before. Physiotherapy isn’t just for injured people!

Ed Clark – Physiotherapist, Back In Motion Clayton

Contact your local practice to find out more about biomechanical assessments.

References:
Biomechanics chapter in Clinical Sports Medicine by Brukner & Khan