KINEMATICS AND MOVEMENT ANALYSIS STUDY NOTES

KINEMATICS AND MOVEMENT ANALYSIS

Introduction

  • Essential Question: How can I best describe and analyze human movement?

Objectives

  • Identify concepts important to kinematics

  • Begin to apply kinematic concepts in the analysis of motion

  • Identify and apply the steps of an anatomical analysis

  • Identify and apply the steps of a kinematic analysis

KINEMATICS

Definition of Kinematics

  • Kinematics is defined as the study of motion without reference to the forces that cause that motion.

Related Concepts

  • Kinetics: The study of motion and the forces that cause that motion.

  • Review of joint names and types:

    • Synovial joints' classification and movement are essential in kinematics.

Key Review Areas

  • Joints: Understanding the anatomical structure and function of joints is critical for analyzing human movement.

KINETIC CHAIN

Types of Kinetic Chain

  • Open Kinetic Chain: A scenario where the distal end of a limb can move freely while the proximal segments are stable. This is important for power, speed, agility, and strength.

  • Closed Kinetic Chain: A situation where the distal end of a limb remains stationary while the proximal segments move.

ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENT

Two Types of Analyses

  • Anatomical Analysis:

    • Focuses on physical aspects like muscular strength, power, endurance, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition.

    • It assesses performance limitations due to the individual's physical condition.

  • Kinematic Analysis:

    • Technical focus encompassing practice, timing, movement, and technique improvement.

Movement Characteristics

  • Precision vs. Gross Movements:

    • Precision refers to small, controlled movements, while gross movements involve larger, less controlled muscular actions.

  • Joint Independence:

    • Joints can move independently which contributes to both predictable and unpredictable movements in techniques and anthropometric analysis.

ANATOMICAL ANALYSIS

Purpose

  • To determine the predominant muscular activity and identify the large forces and/or extreme range of movement (ROM).

Identifying Muscles Used

  • Methods to assess muscle activity:

    • Touching the skin to feel muscles tense or stiffen.

    • Quantitative analysis using Electromyography (EMG).

    • Video analysis to create a kinematic description.

Five Steps of Anatomical Analysis:

  1. Divide Activity into Temporal Phases:

    • Activities can be divided based on changes in direction (e.g., bicep curl: up and down phases).

    • Complex activities, like a baseball pitch, require multiple phases (wind-up, delivery, follow-through).

  2. Identify the Joints Involved and Movements Occurring:

    • Identify what segments or joints are involved (e.g., running vs. bicep curl) and what motions are occurring at each joint (flexion, extension, rotation).

  3. Determine Muscle Contraction and Groups:

    • Identify human muscle actions:

      • Concentric Contraction: Active muscle group is agonist (e.g., lifting).

      • Eccentric Contraction: Active muscle group works against motion (e.g., lowering).

      • Isometric Contraction: No change in muscle length despite tension.

  4. Identify Instances of Impact and Rapid Joint Accelerations:

    • Identifying these moments helps to recognize active muscle groups producing the largest forces and their timing.

  5. Identify Extremes in Joint ROM:

    • Understanding these ranges aids in identifying muscles or soft tissues that may be at risk of stretching or injury, thus serving as a preventative measure.

KINEMATIC ANALYSIS

Four Steps of Kinematic Analysis:

  1. Description:

    • Determine the most effective techniques for the movement.

  2. Observation:

    • Monitor and analyze what the subject looks like during the activity.

  3. Evaluation:

    • Compare observed movements with the ideal technique or standard.

  4. Instruction:

    • Provide constructive feedback and instructions to correct identified errors in technique.

Conclusion

  • Kinematic and anatomical analysis are vital for a comprehensive understanding of human movement, emphasizing the necessity of identifying and breaking down complex motions into manageable components for precise evaluation and improvement.