MH148

What Is A Biomechanics Coach?

What is Biomechanics?
Biomechanics is the study of the human body and how it moves in mechanical terms. The
science is divided into two areas of study: extrinsic and intrinsic biomechanics. Extrinsic
biomechanics looks at movements, the measurement of those movements or tasks, then
establishes the most efficient way of performing them; it is an important science that is
relevant to any sport, fitness or work-related physical conditioning. Intrinsic biomechanics, on
the other hand, is the study of how the body is able to perform those tasks or movements in
relation to the individuals mechanical make-up; any anomalies with an individuals
biomechanics can have a profound effect on how that person performs extrinsic tasks and
the efficiency with which they are performed. In addition, intrinsic factors can have a major
impact on the potential risk of injury for that person, whether a professional athlete, a keen
recreational sports enthusiast or simply working on a production line.

What is a Biomechanics Coach?
A Biomechanics Coach is trained in intrinsic biomechanics and will be able to perform a full-
body biomechanical screen, establishing any areas of mechanical weakness in an individual.
A fully trained coach can screen the shoulders, spine, pelvis, knees, ankles, nerves and
muscles to see if they are functioning correctly; if these are not working well, then a
Biomechanics Coach will be able to determine whether that is due to genetic issues or
something that is developing due to poor technique, posture problems, inadequate
rehabilitation or ergonomic set-up. Once this has been established, the coach will be able to
prescribe an exercise programme to help eradicate the problems diagnosed and the client
will usually return to be periodically re-tested, to evaluate progress, with the programme
modified accordingly.

What about previous training?
Biomechanics Coaches will have previously trained in their own specialisms, in the Health &
Fitness, Medical or Conditioning fields, so will be already qualified to prescribe exercises.
The Biomechanics Coaching qualification upgrades these existing skills to enable application
of the principles of biomechanics to such areas as injury prevention, injury management,
conditioning and optimal performance, depending on previous training. Thus, a therapist will
be able to apply this knowledge to injury management; a personal trainer would apply the
techniques to injury prevention and conditioning; while a sports coach would use
biomechanics knowledge for injury prevention and developing optimal performance.


Why consult a Biomechanics Coach?
Recurrent injury If the client has a recurrent injury, a Biomechanics Coach will be able to
determine whether there are any biomechanical problems that may be causing it to occur
repeatedly; a series of exercises would then be prescribed, to help minimise the risk of
recurrence.
Pain when exercising If the client experiences pain when running, sitting at a desk or
working in the gym, a biomechanics coach can diagnose whether that pain has a
biomechanical cause, then prescribe remedial treatment; however, Biomechanics Coaches
would not diagnose or treat injury unless they have a therapy or medical qualification
Optimal performance If the client is unable to perform a particular sporting or physical
task, and there is no obvious reason why, then a Biomechanics Coach will be able to advise
if the cause is biomechanical in nature, then prescribe corrective exercises.

What are the various qualifications?
In the Mobilis Performance coaching structure, there are 6 levels of Biomechanics Coach
training:
Level 1: Coaches are qualified to screen the pelvis, spine and neural system and
prescribe the relevant corrective exercises.
Level 2: As Level 1, but coaches can also screen the core and trunk musculature, then
establish the right level of core exercises on the performance continuum.
Level 3: As level 2, although qualified coaches can additionally screen shoulder and
knee biomechanics and prescribe the relevant corrective exercises.
Level 4: As level 3, with the additional qualifications for screening and prescribing
relevant exercises for the foot and ankle; level 4 is proven to be competent by
examination and leads to a Diploma in Professional Development in
Biomechanical Coaching, representing 45 points towards a degree.
Level 5: As level 4, but coaches will be personally trained by Mobilis Performance MD
and course leader, Martin Haines, to acquire teaching appropriate skills for
CPD and Diploma courses; training is undertaken in-house and must satisfy
competency requirements.
Level 6: As level 5, with the additional requirement to demonstrate to course leader,
Martin Haines, that the candidate demonstrates satisfactory experience and
expertise in the chosen field of application; this leads to qualification as a
Master Biomechanics Coach.




Who recognises these qualifications?
Level 1: This is recognised/endorsed by UK Athletics, 5 CPD points; Professional Golfers
Association (PGA), 25 CPD points; Physio First, British Association of Prosthetists and
Orthotists (BAPO), Skills Active (REPs), 8 CPD points (attendance course).
Level 2: This is recognised/endorsed by UK Athletics , 5 CPD points; Professional Golfers
Association (PGA), 25 CPD points; Physio First, British Association of Prosthetists and
Orthotists (BAPO), Skills Active (REPs), 8 CPD points (attendance course).
Level 3: This is recognised/endorsed by UK Athletics, 5 CPD points; Professional Golfers
Association (PGA), 25 CPD points; Physio First, British Association of Prosthetists and
Orthotists (BAPO), Skills Active (REPs), 8 CPD points (attendance course).
Level 4: This is recognised/endorsed by London Metropolitan University (Diploma in
Professional Development); Skills Active (REPs), 32 CPD points.