Motion study is a systematic way of determining the best method of doing the work by scrutinizing the motions made by the worker or the machine. As per Gilbreath it is the science of eliminating the wastefulness due to unnecessary motions. He was interested in finding the one best way to do the job. he analyzed the motions of bricklayers and was successful in reducing the number of motions of a bricklayer from 18 to 5.

Motion study can be divided into three components or types:

1) Therblig analysis: a therblig is a small part of a job. Gilbreath gave 17 basic motions of a worker each motion is known as therblig.

2) Micro motion study: it is the study of elements of an operation with the help of high-speed movie camera in order to eliminate the unnecessary motions involved in the operation and balancing the necessary motions.

3) Principles of micro economy: this motion study find out the correct application of theories behind motion elements to achieve synchronization of human body movements, best layout of work places and optimum design of equipments. The five basic principles of micro economy are;

i) Principle of minimum movement

ii) Principle of natural movement

iii) Principle of habitual movement

iv) Principle of rhythmic movement

v) Principle of symmetrical movement

This is the concept of motion study with their steps or types.