University of Limerick

Biomechanics in Sport and Performance
The optimisation of the efficiency of movement and the effects of training require a deep knowledge of the human body and its motions. Performance improvements and injury prevention are made possible by the extensive biomechanical research conducted all over the world. The BRU in the University of Limerick focuses its expertise in athletics, rowing and golf as well as projects in a broader spectrum of sports.


CURRENT PROJECTS
 

• Development of a strength and power diagnostics system for Irish Olympic athletes.
  Claire Brady, Drew Harrison, Tom Comyns,Eamonn Flanagan
   
• Evaluation of the effect of fatigue and recovery on the potentiation of jumping and throwing performance
  ​Drew Harrison, Tom Comyns, DJ Collins
   
• Examining Lower Limb Kinematics during Acceleration and Speed Maintenance in Sprinting
  Drew Harrison, Ian Kenny​
   
• Functional data analysis in Rowing
  John Warmenhoven, Richards Smith, Drew Harrison, Norma Coffey, Kevin Hayes
  ​
• Mapping the reaction times sequences in the sprint start
  Drew Harrison, Kevin Brosnan, Kevin Hayes
   
• Examination of Muscle activations and Kinematics in sprint running and sprint drills.
  Niamh Whelan, Drew Harrison, Ian Kenny​
   
• Examination of Muscle activations and Kinematics in sprint running and strength training
  Richard Bolger, Ian Kenny​, Mark Lyons, Drew Harrison

• Examination of Muscle activations and Kinematics in sprint running and Plyometric training
  Robin Healy, Drew Harrison, Ian Kenny​,

• The effect of strength training on performance in endurance athletes
  Kris Beattie, Ian Kenny​, Mark Lyons, Brian Carson
   
• Longitudinal examination of movement health indices via wearable sensing technology
  Michelle Norris, Ross Anderson, Ian Kenny​
   
• The Transfer of Dry-land Strength Training Exercises to Swimming Performance
  Emmet Crowley, Mark Lyons,
   
• Development of new false start detection systems for use in international competition
  Drew Harrison,  Thomas Barr
   
• Influence of leg length on race walking speed
  Drew Harrison,  Paddy Molloy, Laura-Anne Furlong
   
• Reliability and validity of leg and joint stiffness measures
  David Diggin, Drew Harrison,  Ross Anderson
   
• Muscle Activation patterns in glide technique shot putt
  Roisin Howard, Richard Conway, Drew Harrison
   
• Irish Rugby Injury Surveillance
  Ian Kenny​ (PI), Tom Comyns (Co-PI), Giles Warrington, Kieran O’Sullivan, Drew Harrison,  Mark Lyons, Mark Campbell, Michael Griffin, Kevin Hayes
   
• Evaluation of agility training in rugby 
  Ainle O Caireallain, Ian Kenny
   
• Experimental and modelling analysis of the effect of skin markers on golf driving performance 
  Ian Kenny
   
• Putting movement and performance outcome using standard, belly and long putters.
  Ian Sherwin, Ian Kenny​
   
• Fascial stretch therapy and resistance intervention for the examination of range of motion and sports performance
  Ian Kenny​, Niamh O’Dea, Karen Brady, Ginny Ross