Movement Analysis

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2026-2027/B_MOVANA

Course Objective

After finishing this course, you can: 1) analyze and describe normal and pathological human movement in terms of basic kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity, and interpret these observations using fundamental biomechanical principles. 2) explain common methods for data acquisition and data processing used to measure physical quantities in movement analysis. 3) explain the underlying physical principles of measurements of kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity (EMG), and explain their applications and limitations in research settings. 4) evaluate and select appropriate measurement setups and data analysis tools to address research questions in clinical experimental movement analysis. 5) acquire and process kinematic, kinetic and electromyography data using standard data acquisition systems and data processing tools. 6) interpret, report, and communicate measurement results in a scientifically sound manner.

Course Content

Assessing movement of the musculoskeletal system is central in musculoskeletal physiotherapy sciences. Movement deviations and underlying disorders can be observed in many ways. In a clinical setting this is often performed using the trained clinical eye of the therapist, common clinimetry, scales and questionnaires. But technological advancements also allow physiotherapists to use more objective, quantitative techniques within research and practice. In this course you will learn how to perform quantitative analysis of human movement using various assessment tools. You will explore the basics of motion capture, force and inertial measurement units (IMU), and electromyography (EMG). You’ll be acquainted with the physical background of these measurement tools and the signals they capture. You’ll be acquainted with the signal processing that is required to arrive at relevant outcome measures. But mostly, you will learn to use these tools and analyses, to measure human movement in the context of physiotherapy sciences and to interpret and report the results.

Teaching Methods

Lectures (Computer) practicals

Method of Assessment

Written midterm exam Report assignments Written final exam

Target Audience

This course is connected to learning trajectory: - Theoretical Foundations of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences - Academic and Research Skills