Deterministic Models of Performance

What is a Deterministic Model?

The proper way to evaluate athletes is based on a Determinist Model. Created by Dr. Jim Hay - awarded and recognized among International Biomechanics Society members to address fundamental research questions relevant to extraordinary demands imposed in sport and exercise - the Deterministic Model is a hierarchical model that determines the most important performance factors for a specific sport, based on literature information.

The model for the same sport can be built in “simple” way (figure 1) or it can be very complex and englobe as many variables as possible (figure 2).

Figure 1- Simple Determinist Model for jump performance (Ham et al. 2007)

Figure 2 - Complex Determinist Model for jump performance (Suchomel et al 2015)

How to build a Determinist Model

A Determinist Model can be build by following these steps:

• Divide the movement by each phase that determines performance

• List down all biomechanical factors (neuromuscular, kinematics and kinetics)

• Carefully analyze one by one and think if the factor can influence performance in your sport

• Do a literature review (correlation values) to determine factors.

• Include the selected factors in a hierarchy model

• Expand all the factors into their formulas. Ex. Impulse= F and V, F=m*a, V= d/t..

• Expand the components of the formula into muscular, kinetics and kinematics factors. Ex: Force = neuromuscular, kinetics, kinematics

Why is this Important

Building a Determinist Model is important to have the big picture of what it takes to be good at certain sports.

It guides for a effective long term testing and training plan. Time will be spent training what matters the most for that athlete and sport.

Also it is a valuable exercise for coaches and athletes to constant re-access the factors included on the Model and keep updated on sport performance literature.