Biomechanics and Human Movement

These flashcards cover key concepts from biomechanics, human movement, and performance skill development.

Hip Joint

The femoroacetabular joint is a ball and socket joint that allows movement in all three planes: flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and internal/external rotation.

Hip Flexors

Primary muscles involved in hip flexion, including iliacus and psoas major (iliopsoas).

Screw Home Mechanism

A mechanism in the knee where the tibia externally rotates during the last few degrees of extension 'locking' the knee.

Patellofemoral Joint

The joint between the patella and femur that increases the angle of pull on the quadriceps tendon to the tibia.

Functions of the Meniscus

Stabilizes the knee joint and prevents rubbing of the bony surfaces to avoid degeneration.

Plantar Fascia

A thick band of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot that absorbs shock and maintains foot arch.

Cervical Spine

The region of the spine consisting of 7 vertebrae allowing for head movement and flexibility.

Lordosis

Excessive lumbar curvature causing hyperextension in the lumbar spine.

Torque

The rotary effect of a force about an axis of rotation, influenced by joint angle and moment arm.

Center of Gravity (COG)

A point where the body is equally balanced, which can change with body positions affecting stability.

Static Friction

The maximum friction between two static surfaces that can occur before they begin to move.

Impulse

The product of force and the time interval over which that force acts, impacting jump height.

Spatial Descriptors of Gait

Specific parameters like stride length and step width that define human walking mechanics.

Cadence

The number of steps taken per minute in a walking gait.

COM and Center of Pressure

COM (Center of Mass) moves up and down throughout the gait cycle, while the COP (Center of Pressure) shifts position on the foot.

Energy Conservation in Gait

Strategies that reduce energy expenditure during walking, most efficient at a speed of 3 mph.

Open Skills

Motor skills performed in variable and unpredictable environments, such as soccer.

Stroop Effect

A phenomenon where discrepancy between word meaning and color affects reading time.

Psychological Refractory Period

A delay in response to the second of two sequential stimuli due to processing the first.

Inverted U Principle

Describes the relationship between arousal and performance, indicating optimal performance at moderate arousal levels.

External Focus of Attention

Focusing on the intended effect or target of a movement, which generally enhances performance.

How is energy conserved during gait? What speed is most ideal for energy conservation