Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sport, Second Edition, concentrates on the various ways in which an athlete—whether the average participant or the elite competitor—can modify technique to achieve optimal performance. Its emphasis on athletic assessment and physical capacity modification provides a unique perspective that will help coaches and other sport professionals appraise the body structure of their athletes so that strengths can be fully utilized and weaknesses improved. The text also considers growth, development, and gender, and it makes readers aware of mechanical overstresses that can impair performance and cause injuries.

The second edition has undergone a complete revision and is designed with practical application in mind. It includes chapter contributions by respected sport scientists presenting recent research and cutting-edge information on topics such as:

• the development of improved training methods to increase explosive power,
  
• the use of elastic energy in the development of power and speed,
  
• the modification of strength and body composition to improve performance, and
  
• the application of proportionality and posture to sport performance.

Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sport relies on current research findings and proven methods in developing physical athletic performance to help readers learn to recognize and use appropriate methods to develop optimal physical qualities for skilled performance. The text categorizes 30 international sports into nine distinct groups organized by common features: racket sports; aquatic sports; gymnastics and power sports; track, field, and cycling; mobile field sports; set field sports; court sports; contact field sports; and martial arts. Within each group, techniques that improve performance are analyzed with specific examples given from a variety of international coaches.

The applied nature of the content is enhanced through a building-block approach that facilitates the understanding of the elements of human performance and how the interaction of those elements can be fine-tuned. The text employs a four-part structure:

• Fundamental Concepts relate to assessment and modification of an athlete’s body structure, physical capacity, and technique, as well as talent identification and profiling.
  
• Applied Anatomy provides both a theoretical framework for valid and reliable assessment and evidence-based modification of an athlete’s body structure and physical capacity.
  
• Applied Biomechanics explains how the analysis of sport technique may be used to improve athletic performance.
  
• A Practical Example uses in-depth analysis to provide a specific case for assessment of physical capacity and biomechanics of an athlete, the intervention program and technique modification employed, and the resultant influence on the athlete’s performance.

Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sport covers the latest assessment techniques used by exercise and sport science specialists to evaluate human physiques, physical capacities, and sport techniques. Using this text, readers can integrate and apply the elements of body structure, body composition, assessment, physiology, and biomechanics to assess current capabilities and enhance the performance of athletes.

Part I. Fundamental Concepts

Chapter 1. The Assessment and Modification Model
Timothy R. Ackland, PhD, John Bloomfield, PhD, and Bruce C. Elliott, PhD
The Assessment and Modification Model
Sports Science Theoretical Base
Observation and Assessment
Comparison and Profiling
Intervention Priority
Modification
Pedagogical Considerations
Re-assessment
Conclusion

Chapter 2. Talent Identification and Profiling
Jason P. Gulbin, PhD, and Timothy R. Ackland, PhD
Talent Identification
Profiling
Conclusion

Part II. Applied Anatomy: Assessment and Modification of Physical Capacities

Chapter 3. Absolute Body Size
Timothy S. Olds, PhD, and Grant R. Tomkinson, PhD
The Principle of Morphological Optimization
Normative Data on Absolute Body Size in Sportspeople
The Physics of Absolute Body Size
Secular Trends in Absolute Body Size
Consequences of the Search for Size
Kinanthropometric Assessment

Chapter 4. Somatotype in Sport
J. E. Lindsay Carter, PhD, and Timothy R. Ackland, PhD
Introduction
Development of Somatotype Rating Methods
The Heath-Carter Anthropometric Method
Somatotype and Sport Performance
Desirable Body Types for High Level Performance
Exceptions to the Standard Body Shape and Size
Sport Selection and Somatotype
Somatotype Modification
Changes in Body Type During Growth
Conclusion

Chapter 5. Body Composition in Sport
Deborah A. Kerr, PhD, and Arthur D. Stewart, PhD
Introduction
Factors Affecting Body Composition
Body Composition Assessment
Body Composition and Sports Performance
Nutritional Changes to Modify Body Composition
Conclusions

Chapter 6. Proportionality
Timothy R. Ackland, PhD, and J. Hans De Ridder, PhD
Significance of Proportionality Modification in Sport
Effect of Growth on Proportionality
Proportionality Assessment
Proportionality Applied to Sport Performance
Proportionality Characteristics of Athletes
Racial Characteristics
Body Modification
Technique Modification
Conclusion

Chapter 7. Posture
Peter Hamer, PhD, and John Bloomfield, PhD
Evolution and the Development of Posture
Changes in Posture During Growth
Maintenance of Posture
Advantages of Good Posture
Postural Diversity within Individuals
Posture and its Relationship to Somatotype
Postural Defects
Static and Dynamic Posture
Posture Assessment
Desirable Postures for High Level Sport Performance
Modifying Posture and Technique to Improve Performance
Conclusion

Chapter 8. Strength
Michael McGuigan, PhD, and Nicholas Ratamess, PhD
Relationship Between Strength, Power and Strength-Endurance
Value of Strength in Sport
Muscle Structure and Function
Muscle Mechanics and Neuromuscular Considerations
Factors Affecting the Development of Muscular Function
Strength Assessment
General Training Principles
Strength Training Program Design
Strength Training Methods and Techniques
Strength-Endurance Training Methods
Strength Training, Injuries and Injury Prevention
Summary

Chapter 9. Power
Robert U. Newton, PhD, and William J. Kraemer, PhD
Introduction
Maximal Power Production Defined
Why is Maximal Power Important?
Factors Contributing to Maximal Power Output
Performance Qualities Contributing to Power
Assessment of Muscular Power
Training Methods for the Development of Power
Summary

Chapter 10. Speed
John Cronin, PhD, and Anthony J. Blazevich, PhD
Introduction
Neural Considerations
Morphological Considerations
Endocrine Considerations
Biochemical Considerations
Biomechanical and Anthropometric Considerations
Assessing Speed
Developing Speed
Conclusion

Chapter 11. Flexibility
Patria Hume, PhD, and Duncan Reid MHSc (Hons)
Definitions of Stretching and the Resulting Flexibility-Extensibility
Anatomy and Physiology Components Targeted for Stretching
Types of Stretching Procedure and Technique
Mechanisms of Stretching
Does Stretching Help Improve Sport Performance or Reduce Risk of Injury?
Other Factors Can Affect the Effectiveness of Stretching and the Resulting Flexibility
How do you Measure Improvement in Flexibility?
Conclusions

Chapter 12. Balance and Agility
David Lloyd, PhD, Timothy R. Ackland, PhD, and Jodie Cochrane, PhD
Factors Affecting Balance
Assessing Balance
Improving Balance for Sport
Protection from Joint Injury
Factors Affecting Agility
Assessing Agility
Improving Agility for Sport
Conclusion

Chapter 13. Modifying Physical Capacities
Timothy R. Ackland, PhD, Deborah A. Kerr, PhD, and Robert U. Newton, PhD
Resistance Training Guidelines
Resistance Training Exercises
Stretching Exercises
Training Programs for Specific Sports
Conclusion

Part III. Biomechanics: Assessment and Modification of Sport Techniques

Chapter 14. Analysis of Sports Performance
Bruce Elliott, PhD, and Duane Knudson, PhD
Models of Technique Analysis
Qualitative or Subjective Analysis
Quantitative Analysis
Conclusion

Chapter 15. Image Analysis in Sports Performance
Jacqueline A. Alderson, PhD, and Bruce C. Elliott, PhD
Background
Errors in Motion Analysis
Planar Video Analysis
3D Motion Analysis
Data Filtering
Conclusions

Chapter 16. The Application of Biomechanics in the Improvement of Sport Performance
Bruce C. Elliott, PhD, and Damian Farrow, PhD
Instructional Approaches in Technique Modification
Preparation of Athletes Involved in High-Speed Activities
Biomechanical Considerations in Reducing Sporting Injury Rates
Conclusion

Chapter 17. Mechanics in Sport: Specific Applications
Bruce C. Elliott, PhD, Timothy R. Ackland, PhD, and Jacqueline A. Alderson, PhD
Balance
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Linking of Linear and Angular Motion
Projectile Motion
Momentum
Moments of Force and Torque
Energy
Coefficient of Restitution
Coordination and Summation of Body Segments
Friction
Centripetal Force
Fluid Dynamics

Part IV. Practical Example

Chapter 18. A Practical Example: Pole Vault
Timothy R. Ackland, PhD, Andrew Lyttle, PhD, and Bruce C. Elliott, PhD
Assessment of Physical Capacity and Intervention Program
Biomechanical Assessment and Technique Modification
Influence on Performance