Mechanical Analysis Opening Questions

Unit 1

What is the definition of Biomechanics

application of mechanical principles to biological systems

Two primary goals of biomechanics

Improve performance, Reduce injury risk

Mechanopathology definition and example

Faulty mechanics result in an injury

• lateral cutting resulting in ACL tear

Pathomechanics definition and example

Mechanics that are the result of an injury

• ankle injury resulting in a faulty gait

When examining a symbol, what does the superscript x or y represent?

^Yv’ - leading superscript (direction)

When examining a symbol, what does the following superscript?

Change in time

What are three important principles that influence how we analyze movement from a biological perspective?

• Biology - anatomy and physiology

• Mechanical - math and mechanical factors

• Multisegment - body is multiple parts all working together to produce movement

What are the rules for hierarchical modeling?

1. Factors should be mechanical

2. Annotate what you cannot control

3. Each factor should be completely determined by factors below it

What are the four components of the top-down and bottom-up approaches?

Whole body level, Total limb level, Joint level, Tissue level

When would you want to use top-down approach?

assessment on a healthy individual, to identify injuries

When would you want to use bottom-up approach?

studying pathomechanics, rehabilitation setting

What are the four steps for analyzing movement?

1. determine objective of movement

2. identify mechanical correlates

3. analyze movement solution and identify faults in movement

4. determine cause, conduct an intervention

What is the best way to keep track of mechanical correlates?

Hierarchical Model

Define Proficiency

how well someone performs a movement, and how well they achieve the goal

Three classes of movement

1. Cyclic

2. Discrete

3. Serial

Cyclic movement

repeats (swimming, cycling, walking)

Discrete movement

start and end point (jump, tennis serve)

Serial movement

links 2 or more discrete skills together (triple jump)

Determine if it is an organismic (individual), environmental, or task constraint.

The playing surface

Environmental

Determine if it is an organismic (individual), environmental, or task constraint.

Equipment used during rehabilitation

Task

Determine if it is an organismic (individual), environmental, or task constraint.

Muscular Strength

Individual

Determine if it is an organismic (individual), environmental, or task constraint.

Range of Motion

Individual

Determine if it is an organismic (individual), environmental, or task constraint.

Other people in a room

Environmental

Determine if it is an organismic (individual), environmental, or task constraint.

Balance and Stability

Individual

Determine if it is an organismic (individual), environmental, or task constraint.

Rules of the sport/skill

Task

Determine if it is an organismic (individual), environmental, or task constraint.

Weather Conditions

Environmental

What are critical elements?

Aspects of movement that are necessary for movement performance

Why it is it important that the stretch shortening cycle is utilized properly for most discrete motor skills (think jumping, throwing, kicking, striking, etc)?

Stores elastic energy which helps generate force and power