Abstract
The identification of optimum technique for maximal effort sporting tasks is one of the greatest challenges within sports biomechanics. A theoretical approach using forward-dynamics simulation allows individual parameters to be systematically perturbed independently of potentially confounding variables. Each study typically follows a four-stage process of model construction, parameter determination, model evaluation, and model optimization. This review critically evaluates forward-dynamics simulation models of maximal effort sporting movements using a dynamical systems theory framework. Organismic, environmental, and task constraints applied within such models are critically evaluated, and recommendations are made regarding future directions and best practices. The incorporation of self-organizational processes representing movement variability and “intrinsic dynamics” remains limited. In the future, forward-dynamics simulation models predicting individual-specific optimal techniques of sporting movements may be used as indicative rather than prescriptive tools within a coaching framework to aid applied practice and understanding, although researchers and practitioners should continue to consider concerns resulting from dynamical systems theory regarding the complexity of models and particularly regarding self-organization processes.
Highlights
Published: 5 February 2021The identification of optimum technique for maximal effort sporting tasks, especially specific to an individual, has been called the “holy grail” of sports biomechanics and is one of the greatest challenges within the discipline [1]
The aim of this paper is to provide a critical review of the literature related to forward-dynamics simulation models of individual-specific maximal effort sporting movements
Where the proposed application is to predict individual-specific optimum techniques, simulation modeling researchers should continue to consider concerns resulting from dynamical systems theory regarding the complexity of models and regarding self-organization processes
Summary
The identification of optimum technique for maximal effort sporting tasks, especially specific to an individual, has been called the “holy grail” of sports biomechanics and is one of the greatest challenges within the discipline [1]. Sports biomechanics investigations have mostly adopted a reductionist perspective to identifying characteristics (e.g., anthropometrics, strength, technique) associated with a performance outcome [2,3]. The inferential statistical approaches used typically either compare group means (e.g., elite vs sub-elite, pre vs post-intervention) or assess (intra- or interindividual) correlations between biomechanical characteristics and the performance outcome [3]. Application of conclusions drawn from interindividual comparisons/relationships to any specific individual is limited [4,5]. Intraindividual experiments are dependent upon the individual’s current technique, which may not be optimal [2]. A theoretical analysis using computer simulation allows complete control of the testing environment, in which individual factors can be systematically isolated and perturbed independently of potentially confounding variables [4]
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