Research on 3D Motion and Muscle Activation in Aerialists
We have completed the first phase of this research study analyzing aerial movements in the Motion Analysis Research Center (MARC) at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. Although there is some knowledge about injury types across circus arts, no research has studied joint movement in the aerial arts to understand normal movement or faulty mechanics that might be contributing to injuries. In order to work towards preventing injuries and correcting training errors, we first need to better understand the quantity and sequencing of motion in common aerial acrobatic movements. We have conducted the first research study to examine 3D joint motion of aerialists performing bent-arm and straight-arm straddle inversions to learn more about normal movement patterns. We hope to use this information to inform future interventions to reduce injuries in aerialists.