Students will complete a 20-minute practical task demonstrating their ability to conduct an applied biomechanical evaluation and translate findings into performance-focused coaching decisions. Students will begin by selecting a movement task such as an Olympic lift derivative, plyometric action, sprint start, or change-of-direction drill, and will set up and operate one biomechanical measurement system to collect a short data capture. Students must demonstrate accurate, safe, and systematic data-collection procedures while briefly justifying their choice of task and key biomechanical variables. Students will then interpret the collected data in real time, identifying relevant kinematic and kinetic indicators, evaluating technical proficiency, and highlighting at least two compensatory or inefficient movement strategies linked to performance or injury risk. Finally, students will translate their findings into practice by offering two specific, evidence-based coaching or S&C interventions, explaining how each recommendation aligns with biomechanical, physiological, or motor learning principles. Clear, professional communication is essential, with students expected to justify decisions concisely as if advising an athlete or interdisciplinary support team. This assessment tests practical competency, analytical interpretation, and the application of biomechanics in performance and strength and conditioning contexts.

This module explores how advanced biomechanical assessment underpins high-performance sport and evidence-based strength and conditioning practice.

- The module integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches to movement analysis, enabling students to evaluate technical proficiency, identify compensatory strategies, and interpret key kinematic and kinetic variables relevant to performance optimisation and injury risk reduction.

- Students will engage with advanced laboratory technologies such as motion capture, force plates, and high-speed video to analyse tasks including Olympic weightlifting and its derivatives, plyometrics, sprinting, and change-of-direction movements.

- Emphasis is placed on translating biomechanical data into practical coaching decisions, informing exercise prescription, load management, and strength and conditioning programme design.

- Throughout the module, students will apply biomechanical principles within a multidisciplinary framework that combines exercise physiology, neuromuscular performance, sport psychology, and motor learning. This integrated approach helps students understand how mechanical, physiological, and cognitive factors collectively influence movement efficiency, strength development, fatigue responses, and athletic performance.

- Lab sessions and applied case studies focus on athlete profiling, technique refinement, and the development of evidence-driven interventions grounded in both research and real-world S&C practice.

- By the end of the module, students will have gained the ability to conduct advanced biomechanical assessments, interpret performance-based data with confidence, and communicate findings effectively to athletes, coaches, and interdisciplinary support teams.

1. Conduct advanced biomechanical assessments,¿demonstrating¿considerations of patient safety, data¿collection¿and biomechanical principles.

Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding, Application & Problem solving

2. Using¿qualitative and quantitative methods,¿assess technical¿proficiency,¿performance-related kinematic and kinetic variables across key sporting tasks.

Learning Outcome: Research skills

3. Communicate results of biomechanical assessments in a language appropriate for¿athletes, coaches, and interdisciplinary support teams.

Learning Outcome: Communication, Critical Reasoning and Collaboration.

Teaching and learning will combine lectures and practical laboratory sessions to develop students’ theoretical understanding and practical competency in biomechanics. Lectures will introduce key biomechanical and kinesiological principles through research-informed content, ensuring students engage with current evidence, contemporary methods, and real-world applications. Practical laboratory sessions will focus on developing technical proficiency with laboratory and field-based measurement systems, enabling students to confidently set up equipment, collect data, and troubleshoot issues. Students will design and conduct small-scale studies, strengthening their research skills, analytical abilities, and report-writing competence. Practical laboratory sessions will also support discussion, problem-solving, and interpretation of data using sport, exercise, strength and conditioning, and clinical case studies. Independent learning will further consolidate methodological understanding and support assessment preparation.

- Access to an appropriate PC, with accompanying software including Office 365 (MS Teams, One-Drive, Word, PowerPoint et al.), Adobe, and JAMOVI.

- Access to appropriate reading materials, which can be accesses through the University of Staffordshire library resource page for sport and Exercise.

Penichet-Tomas, A. (2024). Applied biomechanics in sports performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.¿Applied Sciences,¿14(24), 11623.

Hamill, J. (2015) Biomechanical basis of human movement. 4th ed. (International edition). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Jeffreys, I. and Moody, J. (2016) Strength and conditioning for sports performance. London: Routledge.

Payton, C.J., & Burden, A. (Eds.). (2017). Biomechanical Evaluation of Movement in Sport and Exercise: The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Guide (2nd ed.). Routledge.

This module shows you how biomechanics is used in real sport and strength & conditioning environments to improve performance and reduce injury. You’ll learn how to analyse movement using tools such as force plates, motion capture, and high-speed video, and apply this to Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, sprinting and agility tasks. You’ll develop the practical skills to assess technique, interpret performance data and make evidence-based coaching decisions. By combining biomechanics with physiology and sport psychology, you’ll learn how to create effective training strategies. This is a hands-on, applied module designed to prepare you for work in performance sport or strength and conditioning.