Quantitative Analysis of Human Movement

I.     Course Objective

To develop familiarity with the methods and concepts associated with the quantification of human movement.  Emphasis will be placed upon the biomechanical analysis of two and three-dimensional video data.

II.    Course Content

A.    Two and three-dimensional analytic geometry.

B.    Introduction to vector analysis techniques.

C.    Techniques in two and three-dimensional cinematography.

D.    Kinematic analysis techniques.

1.   Kinematic analysis of a particle in plane motion. 

a.   Patterns of human motion.

b.   Measures of movement velocity.

c.   Measures of movement acceleration. 

2.   Kinematic analysis of rigid body motion.

a.   Measures of angular velocity.

b.   Measures of angular acceleration.

E.    Kinetic analysis techniques ‑ Newton's Laws.

1.   Measurement techniques in the determination of force.

2.   Measurement techniques in the determination of torque.

3.   Measurement techniques in swimming hydrodynamics.

F.    An introduction to microcomputer assisted analysis of human motion.    

1.   The Kinematic Analysis software is used in a student video analysis project.

2.   Powerpoint software is used graphical file production and for the development of a research presentation.

3.   Visual Basic Programming and movement data analysis

III.    Course Outcomes:

At the end of the course the student will be able to:

1)    Use vector algebra techniques to compute a variety of biomechanical measures.

2)    Understand the process of computing three dimensional measure of movement.

3)    Set up video cameras and record video data for a three dimensional analysis of movement.

4)    Capture video files for a movement on a computer and perform an quantitative analysis of that movement.

5)    Compute linear velocity and acceleration, given position data on a given body landmark.

6)    Compute angular velocity and acceleration given angular position on a given body segment.

7)     Understand measures joint torques and apply these measures to the analysis of selected human movements.

8)    Prepare and present a PowerPoint presentation on a student selected video analysis project.

IV.   Course Materials:

Schleihauf, Robert E.  Quantitative Analysis of Human Movement (Reader)

Kin 680 Article Reader

IV. Grading:

Your final course grade will be based upon the accumulated point scores from the following course components:

Homework assignments: 50 points

Lab assignments / Quizzes: 100 points

Video analysis project, Movement Expo Poster and PowerPoint presentation: 150 points

Midterm: 100 points

Final: 100 points