Definitions:
Biomechanics – the application of mechanical principles in study of living
organisms. The science concerned with internal and external forces acting on
the human body and the effects of these forces
Kinematics – description of motion in space and time
Kinetics – the study of the action of forces
Mechanics – branch of physics that analyses the actions of forces on particles
and mechanical systems
Statics – branch of mechanics dealing with systems in a constant state of
motion
Dynamics – branch of mechanics dealing with systems subject to acceleration
Kinesiology – study of human movement
Qualitative – nonnumeric description of quality
Quantitative – description of quality involving the use of numbers
→ Perform a biomechanical analysis to:
Improve sport performance
Understand Injury development
Improve/develop equipment
→ Why study biomechanics?
To address problems related to human health and performance
Useful for:
▪ Physical Education Teachers
▪ Physical therapists
▪ Physicians
▪ Coaches
▪ Personal Trainers
▪ Exercise Instructors
→ Analysis of human movement can be either:
Quantitative
▪ The use of numbers
Qualitative
▪ Based on observation
,Chapter 2
Definitions:
Angular – involving rotation around a central line or point
Anterior – front of the body
Anteroposterior Axis – imaginary line around which frontal plane rotations
occur
Axis of Rotation – imaginary line perpendicular to the plane of rotation and
passing through the centre of rotation
Cardinal Planes – three imaginary perpendicular reference planes that divide
the body in half by mass
Deep – away from the surface of the body
Distal – further from the trunk
Frontal Plane – plane in which lateral movements of the body and body
segments occur
General Motion – motion involving translation and rotation simultaneously,
combination of linear and angular motion
Inferior – closer to the feet
Lateral – away from the midline of the body
Longitudinal Axis – imaginary line around which transverse plane rotations
occur
Medial – nearer the midline of the body
Mediolateral Axis – imaginary line around which sagittal plane rotations occur
Posterior – back of the body
Proximal – closer to the trunk
Sagittal Plane – plane in which forwards and backward movements of the body
and body segments occur
Superficial – toward the surface of the body
Superior – closer to the head
Translation – linear motion (rectilinear/curvilinear)
Transverse Plane – plane in which horizontal body and body segment
movement occur when the body is in an erect standing position
, Kinematic Concepts Kinetic Concepts
Describes motion Forces and torques that cause
motion
Forms of Motion Sum of forces and moments
Joint Movements Inertia/Mass/Weight
Joint Angles Work/Energy/Power
Distance/Displacement Centre of Gravity
Speed/Velocity Pressure
Acceleration Impulse/Momentum
Friction
Mechanical Loads on body
Drag Force
Ground Reaction Force
→ There are two types of kinetic chains:
OPEN:
▪ The distal aspect of a body
segment is free and not
fixed to an object
▪ Leg curl, lower leg is free
CLOSED:
▪ The distal aspect of a body
segment is fixed or
stationary
▪ Push-up (upper limbs)
→ Forms of Motion describe the axes and planes
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