Movement Analysis and Motor Control
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Functional Assessment course at Stanmore School of Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Movement Analysis and Motor Control Glossary #
Movement Analysis and Motor Control Glossary
Acceleration #
The rate of change of velocity with respect to time #
Acceleration can be positive (speeding up) or negative (slowing down).
Antagonist Muscles #
Muscles that act in opposition to the movement generated by the agonist muscles #
They provide stability and control during movement.
Biomechanics #
The study of the structure and function of biological systems by means of the me… #
The study of the structure and function of biological systems by means of the methods of mechanics.
Center of Mass #
The point at which the body's mass is concentrated or balanced in all directions #
It is a crucial concept in understanding balance and stability during movement.
Concentric Contraction #
Muscle contraction in which the muscle shortens while generating force #
This type of contraction is commonly seen in movements like lifting a weight.
Deceleration #
The rate of change of velocity with respect to time when an object is slowing do… #
Deceleration is essential for controlling movements and preventing injuries.
Dynamic Stability #
The ability to maintain balance and control during movements that involve change… #
The ability to maintain balance and control during movements that involve changes in speed, direction, or intensity.
Eccentric Contraction #
Muscle contraction in which the muscle lengthens while generating force #
Eccentric contractions are vital for controlling movements and lowering weights.
Functional Assessment #
A systematic process of evaluating an individual's movement patterns, strength,… #
A systematic process of evaluating an individual's movement patterns, strength, flexibility, and overall physical function to identify areas of improvement and potential risks.
Gravity #
The force that attracts a body towards the center of the earth #
It plays a significant role in movements such as walking, running, and jumping.
Joint Stability #
The ability of a joint to remain intact and resist dislocation or injury during… #
Joint stability is essential for optimal movement patterns and performance.
Kinematics #
The branch of mechanics that studies the motion of objects without reference to… #
Kinematics is fundamental in analyzing and understanding movement patterns.
Kinesthetic Awareness #
The sense that enables individuals to perceive the position, movement, and tensi… #
Kinesthetic awareness is crucial for accurate and efficient movement control.
Kinetic Chain #
A concept that describes the interrelation of joints and muscles during movement #
Dysfunction in one part of the kinetic chain can affect the entire chain's function.
Motor Control #
The process by which the central nervous system coordinates and regulates the ac… #
Motor control involves planning, execution, and adaptation of movements.
Muscle Recruitment #
The process of activating motor units in a specific sequence to generate force a… #
Proper muscle recruitment is essential for efficient and effective movement patterns.
Neuromuscular Control #
The interaction between the nervous system and muscular system to produce coordi… #
Neuromuscular control plays a crucial role in movement efficiency and injury prevention.
Open Kinetic Chain #
A movement pattern in which the distal segment is free to move in space #
Exercises involving open kinetic chains are often used in rehabilitation and sport-specific training.
Proprioception #
The sense that enables individuals to perceive the position, movement, and orien… #
Proprioception is essential for balance, coordination, and movement control.
Range of Motion (ROM) #
The extent of movement that a joint can undergo in a specific direction #
Range of motion is important for maintaining joint health, flexibility, and functional movements.
Reactive Neuromuscular Training (RNT) #
A training method that involves using external stimuli to elicit specific neurom… #
RNT is often used in rehabilitation and injury prevention programs.
Static Stability #
The ability to maintain balance and control without significant movement #
Static stability is crucial for activities that require holding a position or posture.
Strength #
The ability of a muscle or group of muscles to generate force against resistance #
Strength training is essential for improving performance, preventing injuries, and enhancing overall function.
Velocity #
The rate of change of an object's position with respect to time #
Velocity is a critical factor in determining the speed and direction of movement.
Vertical Ground Reaction Force (vGRF) #
The force exerted by the ground on a body in the vertical direction during movem… #
vGRF is essential for activities like jumping, running, and walking.
Visual Feedback #
Information provided to an individual through visual cues to monitor and adjust… #
Visual feedback is commonly used in movement analysis and motor control training.
Whole #
body Movement:
Movement patterns that involve coordination and integration of multiple body par… #
Whole-body movements are essential for functional activities such as walking, running, and lifting.
Y #
Balance Test:
A dynamic balance assessment that evaluates an individual's ability to reach in… #
The Y-Balance Test is commonly used in injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.