Biomechanics assessment at MIHP

What is a biomechanics assessment?

Biomechanical assessments at MIHP are performed using a 3D motion capture system. This uses specialist equipment that is the gold standard for analysing and understanding human movement.

An assessment involves attaching small reflective markers to your upper and lower body, which are then tracked by the 3D motion capture system. This data is then digitised, processed, and analysed to highlight areas of interest.

Typically, this type of assessment is used to identify any limitations to your performance, risks of injury, and provide an overall understanding of how your move.

What to expect from your session

Gait analysis

This assessment involves running at up to 4 different speeds along the indoor running track. The number of speeds depends on your capabilities and injury state. Data is captured for each speed performed, and analysed against our database of healthy runners.

A physical assessment is also carried out to provide further information.

The assessment takes around 1.5–2 hours in total.

You’ll receive an initial report on the day, and the key findings will be discussed with you. You’ll then receive a full report within a week of the assessment – this will include all data, an explanation of key findings, and areas for improvement.

Lower limb screening

This assessment involves completing a series of functional movement tasks. Typically, these are walking, jogging, sprinting, 90-degree cutting, single leg squatting, countermovement jumping, hop landing, and distance hopping. The number and type of tasks depends on your capabilities and injury state. The assessment can be completed on either the running track or indoor 3G pitch surface.

This type of assessment is typically used to monitor rehab progress in injured athletes, as well as provide a screening for risks to injury.

The assessment takes around 2–2.5 hours to complete, which varies depending on the testing required.

You’ll receive a full report within 10 days of the assessment. The full report will include an explanation of key findings and areas for improvement.

Golf swing

This assessment involves hitting golf shots into a driving net using a variety of clubs. Different types of shot can also be performed (e.g. a punch) if this is a particular area of interest. You’ll perform a total of around 15–20 shots for each club or shot type, with data captured for each one.

The assessment takes around 2–3 hours to complete, which varies depending on the amount of shot or club types analysed.

You’ll receive a full report, including all data, within 10 days of the assessment.

What to bring

Gait analysis

You’ll need to wear appropriate sports kit (e.g. shorts and running trainers), avoiding gear that has a large amount of reflective areas, as this interferes with the 3D motion capture system. You’ll perform the assessment topless (females in a sports bra/crop top), as reflective markers need to be attached to your upper body.

Bring any medication that may be needed due to allergies or exercise (e.g. EpiPen or inhaler).

Lower limb screening

You’ll need to wear appropriate sports kit (e.g. shorts, running trainers), avoiding gear that has a large amount of reflective areas, as this interferes with the 3D motion capture cameras. You’ll perform the assessment topless (females in a sports bra/crop top), as reflective markers need to be attached to your upper body.

You'll need footwear to match the surface your lower limb screening assessment takes place on. Football boots will be required for the 3G pitch or running shoes for the running track.

Bring any medication that may be needed due to allergies or exercise (e.g. EpiPen or inhaler).

Golf swing

You’ll need to wear shorts, golf shoes and a golf glove and cap, avoiding gear that has a large amount of reflective areas, as this interferes with the 3D motion capture cameras. You’ll perform the assessment topless (females in a sports bra), as reflective markers need to be attached to your upper body.

You’ll also need a driver and 7 iron.

Bring any medication that may be needed due to allergies or exercise (e.g. EpiPen or inhaler).