Biomechanics of Resistance Exercise

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the biomechanics of resistance exercise, mechanical advantage, strength, and power.

Biomechanics

The study of mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms.

Mechanical Advantage

The ratio of the output force exerted by a machine to the input force applied to it.

Agonist

The muscle that is primarily responsible for an action or movement.

Antagonist

A muscle that opposes the action of another muscle.

Synergist

A muscle that assists indirectly in the movement.

Torque

The measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis.

First-Class Lever

A lever where the fulcrum is located between the effort (muscle force) and the load (resistance force).

Second-Class Lever

A lever where the load is between the fulcrum and the effort.

Third-Class Lever

A lever where the effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load.

Isometric Action

A muscle action where the muscle length does not change during contraction.

Concentric Action

A muscle action where the muscle shortens as it contracts.

Eccentric Action

A muscle action where the muscle lengthens while contracting.

Strength-to-Mass Ratio

A measure comparing an athlete's strength to their body mass.

Joint Angular Velocity

The rate of change of angular position of a joint.

Elasticity

The ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed.

Resistance Training

A form of exercise that involves lifting weights or using resistance to build muscle strength.

Kinematics

The study of motion without considering the forces that cause it.

Kinetics

The study of the forces acting on a system.

Work (Physics)

The product of force applied to an object and the distance it moves in the direction of the force.

Power (Physics)

The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.

Newton's Second Law

The principle that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration.