Biomechanics

Define biomechanics

refers to the study of the mechanical principles that govern human movement

Kinetics

the study of forces that cause motion (mass/force/momentum/impulse)

Kinematics

the description of motion (time/distance/displacement)

Kinetics vs Kinematics

Kinematics describes motion without considering forces while kinetics analyse the force causing motion.

Qualitative Analysis

method used to evaluate technique in the performance of sports/exercise skills (use observation and visual readings)

Quantitative Analysis

method entails the collection, measurement and evaluation of data that involves the use of numbers.

Momentum

Describes the quantity of motion a particular body of mass has (combination of mass and velocity (calculated: kg x m/s))

Conservation of momentum

When two bodies collide, the combined momentum of the two bodies is conserved

Force Summation

requires the transfer of momentum form one body part to another

Simultaneous Force Summation

the use of multiple body parts at the same time to produce force

Sequential Force Summation

the activation of body parts that are used in sequence to produce force

Linear Motion

involves movement where all body parts move in the same direction at the same time

Rectilinear

straight line motion (cycling)

Curvilinear

object moving in a curved path (ball thrown at angle)

Angular Motion

motion of a body around a fixed point/axis (different to curvilinear because curvilinear does not rotate around an axis)

General Motion

combination of linear and angular motion and makes up majority of movements

What two things is a projectile under the influence of when released?

air resistance and gravity

4 factors influencing air resistance

• velocity

• mass

• shape

• surface area

3 factors influencing projectile motion

• Speed of release

• Height of release

• Angle of release

3 common components of levers

• Axis/Fulcrum (turning point)

• Force (where force is applied)

• Resistance (weight of whatever you’re moving)

First class levers

axis/fulcrum in the centre

Second class levers

resistance in the centre

Third Class levers

force in the centre (most common in sporting situations—arms)

Static stability

when an object is at rest

Dynamic stability

when an object is in motion

3 factors that have importance in stability

• Area of the base of support

• Centre of gravity

• Line of gravity

Base of support

area by which the body is supported (larger area = higher stability)

Centre of gravity

an imaginary point around which the body is balanced

Line of gravity

represented by drawing a straight line form the centre of gravity to the ground