Question

explain biomechanical economy and movement efficiency and differentiate between the two.

Answer 1

Biomechanical economy

The biomechanical economy also called a running economy the measure of energy expenditure to complete a work. It can be measured by quantitating the amount of consumption of oxygen per kilometer run, per kilogram body weight. In other words, a better running economy parallels to more efficient utilization and recycling of oxygen during a workout. The link between the running economy and performance is that the greater the running economy, the more efficient the runner, and the better the performance.

Movement efficiency

Movement efficiency is the efficient and harmonious interaction and coordination of multiple joints to produce a skillful movement with optimal (economical) energy utilization. It is very crucial for the sportspersons, where they can derive the desired optimal outcome with the utilization of less energy. Movement efficiency is an excellent measure of how coordinated any action is. In other words, the higher the efficiency, the more coordinated the action is and vice versa. This can be achieved by regular practice and developing the skill.

When applied to the body, efficiency means the ratio of useful work obtained to the energy expended to perform that work. In another way, movement efficiency determines energy expended by contraction of respective muscles thus creating a successful movement viz., running, kicking, throwing, standing, walking or breathing.

Movement efficiency defines the skillfully coordinated movement with high impact but utilizing less energy, whereas the biomechanical economy determines the energy utilized throughout a particular sport. Movement efficiency adds up to the biomechanical economy, more the movement efficiency more will be the biomechanical economy.