Clinical Kinesiology and Anatomy - Chapter 1

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the basic principles of kinesiology, biomechanics, kinetic chains, and anatomical positions.

Kinesiology

The study of human movement through the application of anatomy, physiology, physics, and mechanics.

Mechanics

The study of forces exerted on an object.

Biomechanics

The application of mechanics to the study of human movement.

Kinematics

A branch of biomechanics that describes the motion of a body without regard to the forces or torques.

Kinetics

A branch of biomechanics that describes the effect of forces and torques on the body.

Arthrokinematic motions

Movements between the joint surfaces, specifically described as roll, spine, and glide or slide.

Osteokinematic motions

Movements of limbs through space about a joint, such as flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and medial/lateral rotation.

Anatomical Position

Erect posture with weight evenly distributed, eyes level and forward, feet parallel and slightly apart, and arms at sides with palms forward.

Kinetic Chain

A series of connected rigid links, such as limb segments, that influence the type of movements.

Closed kinetic chain (CKC)

A type of kinetic chain where the distal segment is fixed and the proximal segment is free to move.

Open kinetic chain (OKC)

A type of kinetic chain where the distal segment is free to move and the proximal segment is fixed.

Sagittal plane

A vertical plane that passes from anterior to posterior, dividing the body into right and left halves.

Frontal plane

A vertical plane that passes from side to side, dividing the body into anterior and posterior segments.

Horizontal plane

A plane that divides the body horizontally into superior and inferior segments.

Sagittal axis

An axis that passes through a joint from anterior to posterior.

Frontal axis

An axis that passes through a joint from side to side.

Vertical axis

An axis that passes through a joint from superior to inferior.

Degrees of Freedom

Refers to the number of planes within which a joint can move.

Uniaxial joint

A joint that allows motion in $1$ plane about $1$ axis, having $1$ degree of freedom.

Biaxial joint

A joint that allows motion in $2$ planes about $2$ axes, having $2$ degrees of freedom.

Triaxial joint

A joint that allows motion in $3$ planes about $3$ axes, having $3$ degrees of freedom.

Range of Motion (ROM)

The amount of motion a joint can move in any of its possible directions, measured with a goniometer.

Goniometer

The instrument used to measure the Range of Motion of a joint.