Introduction to Biomechanics

Definition of Biomechanics

• Science of movement of the living body
  • Bio: Body, biology, life
  • Mechanics: Movement, machines
• Physics of motion exhibited or produced by biological systems
• Integrates biological characteristics with traditional mechanics

Mechanics in Biomechanics

• Mechanics: Branch of physics concerned with forces and energy on motion of bodies
• Statics: Study of systems in equilibrium (at rest or constant motion)
  • Examples: Handstand, constant speed running
• Dynamics: Study of systems in accelerated or changing motion
  • Examples: Tumbling gymnasts, soccer players changing directions

Biomechanical Analysis Perspectives

• Kinetics: Study of forces like gravity or friction affecting motion
  • Effects of gravity, friction, etc.
• Kinematics: Study of spatial and temporal characteristics of motion
  • Velocity, speed, displacement

Biomechanics in Different Contexts

• Sports: Analysis of movements like basketball player’s landing
  • Kinematics: Speed, velocity
  • Kinetics: Force absorbed by body
• Motor Development and Control: Study of stride characteristics
  • Kinematics: Length of strides
  • Kinetics: Force production differences

Relationship with Other Kinesiology Fields

• Biomechanics relates to fields like:
  • Exercise physiology
  • Motor control
  • Ergonomics
  • Physical therapy
  • Sports medicine
  • Pedagogy
  • Adaptive motion

Exercise Physiology

• Movement caused by muscle contraction
• Forces analyzed: Kinetic analysis of muscle force

Motor Control

• Mechanisms controlling movement
• Open loop vs. closed loop skills
  • Open Loop: Rapid skills (e.g., clean-and-jerk)
  • Closed Loop: Skills adjusted via feedback (e.g., running)

Ergonomics

• Human-machine interface design
• Occupational biomechanics

Physical Therapy

• Preventing, evaluating, treating movement abnormalities
• Requires understanding of biomechanical principles

Sports Medicine

• Focused on injury prevention and treatment
• Biomechanics used to study effects of braces, taping, etc.

Pedagogy

• Teaching and coaching movement
• Use of biomechanics to provide feedback

Adaptive Motion

• Adapting biomechanics for individuals with disabilities
• Considerations for sensory functions, limb loss, etc.

Recap

• Biomechanics: Physics of motion in biological systems
• Involves kinetics (forces) and kinematics (movement)
• Closely related to other kinesiology disciplines emphasizing human movement