Biochemical assessment of individual sports for improved performance.

Biomechanists are able to offer a scientific service which aids the process of achieving improved sports performance. They are able to provide measurement tools to quantify key mechanical variables related to performance. Biomechanists use different methods to define these key variables, although there is no generally accepted approach on how this should be done. The process of intervention should be undertaken using information gained from a biomechanical assessment. This is often not conducted by the biomechanist and is usually left to other specialists. The success of this intervention is rarely evaluated so as to provide evidence to validate the earlier stages of the assessment. Biomechanists who have considerable experience and have conducted applied research programmes with specific sports seem to be able to demonstrate success. It is concluded that biomechanists need to support their claim to be able to influence performance outcome with more evidence based practice.