The UNO Biomechanics Department joins us for a fun exploration of physiology behind the performance on top athletes. How do your own biomechanics (the physics, structure, and function of bodily movement) compare to those of NFL athletes at the top of their game? No registration is needed for this drop-in event. The day’s hands-on activities will include:
NFL Combine
Participants will be given a handout scorecard to track their results in the various exercises. The scorecard will also list the best NFL Combine performance from each position so participants can compare their scores to elite NFL players. A leaderboard of top participant performances will be displayed throughout the event, allowing guests to see how they stack up against others in real time.
How will you stack up in these categories: Vertical Jump, Broad Jump, 3 Cone Agility Test, Grip Strength, and Reaction Time?
In-Game Experience
Participants, of all ages, will be able to test their throwing accuracy by throwing a football at various targets. Participants will also be able to measure how fast they can throw a football, with a radar gun used to measure speed. We’ll discuss the speed-accuracy trade-off, as well as the physics of the ball flight.
Safety Meets Science
In football and other contact sports, researchers use inertial measurement units (IMUs) to study how hard impacts are and how the body moves during play. These small sensors contain accelerometers and gyroscopes that measure motion and rotation in real time. By placing IMUs inside a helmet, scientists can better understand head impacts and work toward making sports safer.
- An IMU will be available for participants to handle and experiment with.
- Participants can see how the sensor measures their own head movement or helmet taps in real time.
- We’ll explain how this technology is used in research to reduce concussion risk and improve helmet design.
Who: All-ages, but designed primarily for individuals/families with children age 6 & up.
Where: 345 Riverfront Drive
When: November 2: 10am-2pm
Cost: Event is included with any daily admission ticket.
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