KNR 342
OCCUPATIONAL BIOMECHANICS

Video Analysis Project
40% of final grade

Video recording of skill performance provides the movement analyst with an incredibly powerful method of evaluating and understanding performance of a task. Recording allows for multiple viewings of a performance, for quantification of kinematics and kinetics of skill performance, and facilitates comparison of performance of a task by different individuals or by a single individual as they are trained.

This project requires your group (3-4 members) to conduct a biomechanical analysis of four (4) skill performances based on video recordings. As a group, you will review the two tapes provided by the instructor, decide which 4 skills to analyze, and conduct the analysis of each task.

Following submission of a written paper, your group will make a 20-30 minute presentation of the project to the class. You will most likely be able to present only 1, maybe 2, of the tasks. PREPARE FOR and GIVE THE PRESENTATION AS IF YOU WERE MAKING A PRESENTATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE UNION. The time limit must include time for questions. A 30 minute time limit will be strictly enforced since all groups will be present during the same class time. Note that this class may run longer than usual.

Format of the Paper:
Cover sheet: In the top right corner, type the last four digits of the ISU Student ID numbers of the four group members. NO NAMES should be provided. Also type the course identification and date. Centered on the page should be the project title.

First Page: Provide a general overview (Executive Summary) of the analyses highlighting the major violations of biomechanical principles. This should be one-page.

For each task analyzed, use the following format. Each analysis should be less than 3 pages long (probably less if you keep to the point).

Task Name
Location on Tape 1 or Tape 2

Introduction: Provide an overview of the task in general terms. Describe the employee(s) who performs the task. Describe the environment in which the task is performed. Based on your analysis of the task, the individual and the environment, what injury or injuries might be experienced in performing the task?

Task Analysis: Present your observed violations/adherences to the biomechanical principles. Expand your analysis to include knowledge gained in any previous courses you may have taken. List the violations in order of priority. Identify any that are a high priority for change (should be changed immediately). Use figures to clarify your analysis (if necessary).

Suggestions for change: WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE OF THE TASK WHILE REDUCING THE RISK OF INJURY AND/OR IMPROVING EFFICIENCY OF THE WORKSTATION? Prepare this section to correspond with the task analysis (ie item 1 should be the suggested change to violation 1 presented in the section above). Remember to consider the interaction of the task, the environment and the individual when making suggestions so that your suggested change does not create a new risk (or if it must, address how the new risk could be minimized). Use figures to clarify your suggested change(s) (if necessary).

Evaluate the quality of the recording: What factors had to be considered when placing the camera? Was the field of view appropriate? Were disruptions of the typical performance minimized? How could the recording have been improved?

Do as thorough an evaluation as you think is necessary. Assume that your project will be reviewed by someone in a position to offer you a job. I will assume that what you submit constitutes your best effort. As a group, submit one copy of your paper, and keep a copy for use in preparing your presentation. Do NOT staple, glue, or enclose your paper in a binder; use only PAPERCLIPS. Do not print it on expensive paper (save that for real life).

AS A GROUP, YOU WILL PRESENT YOUR PAPER TO THE CLASS IN A 30 MINUTE (MAXIMUM) PRESENTATION. This may include projection of selected portions of your video. In this short time period, you will not be able to cover more than 1, maybe 2, of your analyzed tasks so choose those with the most interesting violations or suggestions. You presentation will be evaluated on content and quality. Use whatever media materials (in addition to the video) that you think will facilitate presenting your analysis, but KEEP WITHIN THE PRESENTATION TIME (include time for questions). Each group member must contribute to the in-class presentation, and each person will receive a separate grade based on their presentation (based on content, graphics and style of your presentation, and your responses to questions posed following your presentation).

Grading: This project is worth 40% of your final grade. The grade will be broken down as follows:
                Paper: 20% (you must submit a disk copy of your paper)
                Your part of the Presentation: 12%
                Your peer evaluation: 8%

For the peer evaluation, each group member must submit to me by the final exam an evaluation of the contribution of EACH group member to the project. I will average the evaluations of you and your peers to arrive at a final score for you. Do not misuse this opportunity to recognize those who contribute most or least to the project.

Deadlines

Class before Thanksgiving: submission of completed project
Last week of Classes: presentations

Competency is demonstrated, not certified

Pay attention to each group presentation. Questions on the final exam will relate to the material presented by the groups.

A student/group choosing to present the project at the Undergraduate or Graduate Research Symposium may take an incomplete in KNR 342. Presentation of the project will earn a participating student 5 additional percentage points to count towards the final grade.