ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the discipline of biomechanics. It describes the fundamental methods of analysing and interpreting biomechanical data. The chapter provides a practical worksheet on linear impulse analysis of the ground reaction force in running, which is designed to give students practice in collecting, analysing, and interpreting biomechanical data, as well as report writing. The worksheet includes example data and analysis, along with data recording sheets for use by students to help bring the subject to life. The chapter analyses the anteroposterior (FX) and vertical (FY) components of the ground reaction force acting on the right foot of a subject when running at a moderate speed and to perform an impulse analysis of the two recordings. The chapter describes the data analysis in relation to the example results. The weight W (N) of the subject is measured and recorded in an Excel spreadsheet.
