Kinesiology and Biomechanics

Kinesiology

The study of human movement, encompassing various subfields including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and metrology.

Biomechanics

The application of mechanics to human movement, focusing on the forces affecting movement.

Kinetics

The study of forces causing movement.

Kinematics

The description of movement, including aspects such as speed, velocity, and acceleration.

Mobility

The ability to move the body freely.

ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)

Essential tasks required for daily living, such as walking, dressing, and eating.

Statics

The study of forces in systems that are stable and balanced without movement.

Dynamics

The study of forces in systems in motion, where unbalanced forces are present.

Linear Motion

Movement in a straight line.

Angular Motion

Movement that involves rotation around a point.

Optimized Performance Goals

Goals of biomechanics that include safety, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Quantitative Analysis

An approach to studying biomechanics that uses numbers and measurements.

Qualitative Analysis

An observational approach to studying biomechanics.

Anatomical Position

A standard body position where the body is upright, facing forward, with feet parallel and arms at the sides.

Medial

Closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Further from the midline of the body.

Flexion

Bending movement that decreases the angle between body parts.

Extension

Straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts.

Compression

A squeezing force; for example, gravity pressing on the spine.

Tension

A pulling force; for example, muscles pulling on bones.

First-class Lever

A lever where the effort and resistance are on opposite sides of the axis (ex: seesaw).

Second-class Lever

A lever with resistance between effort and axis (ex: plantar flexion).

Third-class Lever

A lever with effort between resistance and axis (ex: bicep curl), which is the most common type in the body.

Force Equation

= ma

Weight Equation

= mg

Torque Equation

defined as = Force × perpendicular distance.

Density Equation

defined as = mass/volume.