Biomechanics: Video Analysis and Angular Kinematics

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes on biomechanics, focusing specifically on video analysis methods and angular kinematics.

What is two-dimensional (2D) video analysis used for in biomechanics?

It is used for assessing and improving human performance and preventing injury.

What is one advantage of using 2D video analysis over 3D analysis?

It provides a practical and accessible way to study movement using standard video cameras.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a camera for 2D biomechanical analysis?

Resolution, frame rate, shutter speed, lens quality, field of view, portability, data storage, and budget.

How does resolution affect video analysis accuracy?

Higher resolution provides greater image detail, improving accuracy but increasing storage and processing needs.

What is the importance of frame rate in video analysis?

High frame rates are necessary for accurately capturing fast movements and reducing motion blur.

Define shutter speed in the context of video analysis.

Shutter speed refers to the duration that a camera’s sensor is exposed to light for each frame captured.

What is the effect of slow shutter speed on motion analysis?

It can result in blurred images, reducing accuracy and making it difficult to identify key movement phases.

What does lens quality affect in video analysis?

High quality lenses produce sharper images and minimize distortion, improving analysis accuracy.

What does 'field of view' refer to in video cameras?

The extent of the scene visible through the camera lens.

How does portability impact video analysis in different settings?

Compact and lightweight cameras are easier to transport and set up, which is essential in varied environments.

What is a potential disadvantage of 2D video analysis compared to 3D analysis?

It is limited to analyzing movements in the plane parallel to the camera’s view, which can introduce errors.

Define angular distance in biomechanics.

The total angle that an object has moved, regardless of direction, measured in radians or degrees.

What is angular displacement?

The change in the angular position of a rotating object, defined by the change in angle between initial and final positions.

What measurement units are primarily used for angular motion?

Radians are the standard unit in biomechanics for angular motion calculations.

How do absolute angles differ from relative angles?

Absolute angles describe orientation relative to a fixed reference line, while relative angles describe angles between connected body segments.

What is angular velocity?

A vector quantity that describes how quickly an object rotates about an axis and the direction of that rotation.

Explain the relationship between linear and angular motion as per biomechanics.

Any point on a rotating object moves through space in a linear path, the distance covered depends on its radius from the axis of rotation.

How does moment of inertia impact angular movement?

Moment of inertia describes an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion, depending on mass distribution relative to the axis.

What is the Magnus effect?

A phenomenon where spinning objects create lift and change their flight paths due to pressure differences on either side of the object.

What principle explains that energy cannot be created or destroyed?

The law of conservation of energy states that energy changes form but remains constant overall.