Introduction to Biomechanics and Its Applications

What is biomechanics?

The study of mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms.

What are the two main goals of biomechanics of physical activity?

To improve movement performance and to increase or maintain tissue health and safety.

What are the two main themes of biomechanics?

Function (force production for movement) and Structure (how forces affect body tissues).

What branch of physics documents motion and its causes?

Mechanics—Kinematics (motion) and Kinetics (causes of motion).

What does biomechanics help improve in physical activity?

Movement techniques, equipment design, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance outcomes.

What are examples of forces that influence body structure and function?

External forces (gravity, equipment), internal forces (muscle contractions), and bone forces.

What is a force?

A push or pull on an object or body.

What factors must be considered in human movement biomechanics?

Sensation, environment, emotions, cultural expectations, anatomy, and socioeconomic class.

How can understanding biomechanics help select movement techniques?

By exploiting mechanical laws to choose optimal techniques for specific tasks or performers.

What are common biomechanics career paths?

Researcher, clinical biomechanist, ergonomist, professor, performance specialist, forensic biomechanist, orthotist/prosthetist.

When did biomechanics start becoming a field?

In the late 1800s during the Efficiency Movement and through early 20th-century academic development.

Who were early contributors to biomechanics?

Descartes, Borelli, Taylor, Meyerhold, Posse, Skarstrom, and Ruth Glassow.

What tools do biomechanists use in research?

Motion measurement (video, mocap), force devices (platforms, EMG), and computer simulations.

What laws of motion affect human movement?

Inertia, action-reaction, torque, propulsive forces, fluid resistance.

What does balancing performance effectiveness and safety involve?

Enhancing movement, reducing injury, selecting equipment, and evaluating technique efficiency.