Our environment
AIS Movement Science specialises in the analysis of sports skills to refine technique and improve performance utilising some of the most advanced equipment and technology in the world.
Biomechanics examine forces acting on the body, and the effects of these forces. By studying an athlete’s performance, inadequacies that are limiting their performance can be diagnosed, and the coach can then incorporate drills into the athlete’s training to overcome the shortcomings.
Analysis can involve testing in the laboratory (under controlled conditions), field testing (where the athlete’s performance is analysed in training or while simulating a performance in the usual sport setting) or competition analysis (analysis of an athlete performing in competition).
The AIS laboratory equipment includes; force platforms, a treadmill that can be used for a variety of different tests, high speed cameras and infra-red cameras that work with reflective markers. There is also a long jump pit, a foam pit for gymnastics testing and overhead cranes that are used to hold netting during testing involving balls being kicked or thrown. The treadmill is high speed (max speed of 45km/hr) so cyclists can be tested, it also lifts both uphill and downhill.
We use various measuring tools from sophisticated high speed 3D analysis systems, high speed video and force plates to in-field testing using standard video. While athletes are performing in the lab we can track their total body movement using systems such as the VICON which tracks reflective makers attached to various parts of the body.
The indoor track as well as being a training venue during inclement weather is used to collect kinetic and kinematic data relating to athlete performances in the Athletic disciplines of sprints, hurdles and the horizontal jumps. Work has also been completed on walkers to determine efficiency of gait over a range of velocities. The systems used to complete the above analysis, includes eight in-ground force plates and a 22 camera motion analysis system. Currently under development is a system to track athletes over 20m to provide immediate feedback to athletes and coaches of video and analogue data.
The indoor cricket area is a purpose built testing environment which allows Biomechanical analysis to be collected on all aspects of the game. The area contains fully retractable nets, an extended run up for fast bowlers, removable pitch and multiple force platform wells at both ends of the pitch. This added with an extensive matrix of underground cabling options gives us the capacity to collect kinematic and kinetic data simultaneously for batting, bowling and wicket keeping.
A Performance Analysis Unit was established in May 2002 to provide a service to coaches that uses the latest information and communication technology to support athlete learning and performance. Staff work with coaches to develop and enhance detailed observation of performance in both training and competition environments. Emphasis is then placed on storage and management of this data to optimise both immediate and long term benefits.
