An international society
totally dedicated to 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 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. Over the years, members, presenters, exhibitors and invited participants at ISBS gatherings have included persons from Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Congo, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, United States and Venezuela.

Origin

The first full scale conference of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (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 abstract by John Ostarello. John also gave a presentation as part of a pre-conference session in 2023 on the first 40 years of the society (view the first and second half of the slides).

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 interesting locations including several European countries (Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal), a number of US states (California, Colorado, Iowa, Oregon, Massachusetts, Texas), the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and Ontario, as well as Australia and Hong Kong. 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.

At the 2022 post-conference board meeting, the ISBS Board of Directors voted to endorse these principles for equity, diversity, and inclusion within academic conferences and strive to achieve them in all ISBS activities.

The Members

ISBS members have written some of the most widely used university textbooks as well as practitioner books and manuals. Hundreds of refereed journal articles, as well as widely read practical articles in popular journals, have been published by ISBS members. In addition, members have developed new coaching, teaching and training strategies and patented sports, exercise and rehabilitation equipment. The majority of pioneers from the computer era of sports biomechanics have at one time or another participated in ISBS activities, with most innovations in biomechanics research technology having come from these individuals. In short, if it is sports biomechanics, ISBS members are in it.

Organization

ISBS is guided by a comprehensive constitution and governed by elected executives and a board of directors. In addition a general assembly is held each year giving all members an opportunity to be heard in a democratic way.

Why Join ISBS

Here are the reasons why you need to join:

  • Become a member of the international sports biomechanics community
  • Receive full access to the Sports Biomechanics journal
  • Experience the latest in sports biomechanics at first hand
  • Access members only resources and initiatives
  • Exchange and test your ideas
  • Grow professionally and personally
  • Make connections for future opportunities
  • Make lifetime friends with like interests
  • Attend ISBS conferences with savings
  • Apply for grants and awards
  • Receive the ISBS Newsletter
  • Become part of the ISBS family

So what are you waiting for? Join ISBS today!