The movement science unit optimises athletic performance by assessing and evaluating aspects of human movement and is made up of:

• Biomechanics
• Performance analysis
• Skill acquisition

It provides specialised services to SASI athletes, coaches, national sporting organisations and state sporting teams.

Biomechanics

Biomechanics is the study of forces acting on the human body during movement and the effect that these forces have on performance.

Biomechanics staff use tools to measure motion and forces occurring during training and competition. They provide feedback on modifications needed to improve performance by using:

• high speed cameras,
• instrumented kayak paddles and rowing gates,
• accelerometers,
• gyroscopes
• lasers.

Feedback is given to athletes by describing body segment movements over time. It includes measurement of magnitude of motion, the timing of motion and the coordination of numerous body segments.

Information from biomechanics analysis helps physiotherapists to understand sporting movement patterns and minimise injury risks.

Our biomechanists work mainly with Canoe Sprint, Cycling, Rowing, Swimming and individual HP/ Para athletes.

SASI Biomechanist: Dr Sian Barris

Performance analysis

Performance analysis examines competition and training performance  and underpins each of the major sports science disciplines.

The performance analysis unit uses the latest innovative video and computer-based technologies to examine and evaluate individual and team sport performance.

Analysts provide coaches and athletes with:

• visual feedback to coaches and athletes to help improve performance
• objective competition and training data that. may include time-coded video, statistical data or individual race analysis information.

Our analysts work mainly with Swimming, Cycling, Diving, Hockey, Volleyball and Netball.

Skill acquisition

Skill acquisition is the application of theories and ideas from motor learning and control research that help athletes acquire, develop and control skills.

It's a key component of the training process that:

• assists in the design of representative training drills and innovative training tools
• provides insight into elements of performance e.g. optimising the effectiveness of coaches feedback (timing, delivery and quantity)