Biomechanics of Force Production and Performance

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture on biomechanics.

Biomechanics

Science of applying principles of mechanics to biological systems.

Kinetics

Deals with forces that cause motion.

Kinematics

Description of motion.

Linear motion

All points on a body or object move the same distance, at the same time, in the same direction.

Angular motion

All points on a body move in circular patterns around the same axis.

Concentric

Muscle action involving muscle shortening.

Eccentric

Muscle action involving muscle lengthening.

Isometric

Muscle action with no change in muscle length.

Stretch-Shortening Cycle (SSC)

Phenomenon where the ECC phase preceding the CON phase results in a more forceful CON action.

Efficiency

Chemical energy required for a specific activity.

Economy

Oxygen requirement during physical activities.

Force

A push or pull acting on a body.

Mass

Quantity of matter composing a body.

Weight

Gravitational force acting on an object.

Torque

Rotation caused by a force about a specific axis.

Lever

Simple machine used to overcome resistance and enhance speed and range of motion.

Fulcrum

The pivot point of a lever.

Inertia

Resistance of an object to change its motion.

Momentum

The quantity of motion an object has.

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP)

Pressure developed within the abdominal cavity during contraction.

Action force

Force applied to an object to change its state of motion.

Reaction force

Equal & opposite force in response to an action force (Newton’s third law).

Friction

Force that opposes relative motion between surfaces.

Muscle architecture

Arrangement of muscle fibers, affecting force generation.

Angle of pennation

The angle between muscle fibers and the central tendon.