Home - International Society of Biomechanics in Sports

International Society of Biomechanics in Sports

Primary Purposes

To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas for sports biomechanics researchers, coaches and teachers.
To bridge the gap between researchers and practitioners.
To gather and disseminate information and materials on biomechanics in sports.

Participants

The International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS) is composed of members from all over the world with a common desire to study and understand human movement, especially as it relates to applied sports biomechanics. Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds including exercise science, education, engineering, computer science, rehabilitation and medicine to name a few.

Origin

The first full scale conference of ISBS was held June 20-25, 1982, in San Diego, California, with 123 participants. ISBS initiated a constitution on May 7, 1983, with subsequent constitutional revisions over time to suit the changing needs of the Society. Some of the first field-based research activities of ISBS were at the 1976 Olympic Games and 1978 Commonwealth Games, with numerous other research projects completed since that time. Additional activities of ISBS and its members include seminars, clinics, exhibits, technical lectures, newsletters, annual conferences and published proceedings. For a more detailed history of ISBS, please see this conference article by John Ostarello.

Annual Conference

The annual conference of the ISBS family are conducted in a friendly atmosphere, which favors and encourages wide participation. This ISBS congeniality is unique and dear to its members. Past conferences have been held in a variety of nations across multiple continents. The quality of research presented and materials produced are at the cutting edge of knowledge and technology. In addition to oral and poster research presentations select sport science topics are covered in depth each year through special lectures. In addition, a special feature includes the Geoffrey H.G. Dyson lecture presented by an outstanding scientist in sports biomechanics. A number of other awards and recognitions are given each year including the New Investigator Award. Other conference features enjoyed by all include exhibits, equipment demonstrations, organized sightseeing trips, and the closing banquet.

ISBS 2026 - Loughborough, UK

We are pleased to invite you to the 44th ISBS Conference, hosted at Loughborough University, UK from 27th-31st July 2026.

ISBS 2026 brings together leading minds and ideas in academic and applied aspects of sports biomechanics to exchange, collaborate, and network in a welcoming and inspiring environment. Whether you’re a researcher, practitioner, educator, or student, there is something for everyone in our keynote lectures, applied sessions with leading practitioners, and week-long social programme. Each accepted abstract will be individually published in a Supplementary Issue of the Sports Biomechanics journal. Topics span performance and injury-related biomechanics, as well as equipment, technology, and advanced methodology.

We look forward to seeing you in Loughborough in July 2026!

Online Symposium - Live on the 7th of April 2026!

Our 6th Online Symposium will take place online on 7th April 2026 and will again be free to ISBS members.

This year's symposium focuses on bridging the gap between biomechanics research and real-world application in sport. Across a diverse programme of sessions, the symposium highlights how advanced technologies—such as EMG, motion capture, and data analytics—can be effectively translated into meaningful insights for coaches, practitioners, and athletes. With a strong emphasis on communication, applied practice, and education, the event explores how to make complex biomechanical data accessible, actionable, and impactful. Bringing together researchers, students, and industry professionals from around the world, the symposium aims to strengthen connections between science and practice while supporting the next generation of sport biomechanists.

All live sessions are free and available to all ISBS members. Recordings will be available after the event ends.

To view the recordings, individuals will need to renew their ISBS membership for 2026 or join the society. To check your membership status, login online and select the “Member Profile” button. Then click on the “Subscription History” button to confirm your membership status; and if necessary, renew your membership.

Links to Live sessions are available here (after signing in).