biomechanics kinesiology lecture 1

Overview of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics is a vital field within Kinesiology that integrates physics principles to understand human movement.

Learning Objectives

  • Define biomechanics and its purpose.
  • Understand the key principles of biomechanics.
  • Explore muscle-tendon complex and its role in movement.
  • Discuss the importance of biomechanics in various careers.

Definitions and Core Concepts

  • Biomechanics: The application of mechanics (physics) to the structures and functions of the human body.
    • Purpose: To enhance human movement, focus on performance improvement (e.g., speed, range of motion) and injury prevention.

Importance of Studying Biomechanics

  • Helps understand and improve how individuals move.
  • Applicable across various career fields involving movement, such as sports science, physical therapy, coaching, and rehabilitation.

Key Principles of Biomechanics

  1. Movement Performance Improvement

    • Focuses on optimizing techniques in activities like running, jumping, and general athletic performance.
    • Example: Assessing knee and hip flexion for optimal athletic performance.

  2. Injury Prevention

    • Utilizing biomechanics to assess techniques and equipment to minimize injury risks.
    • Modifications can be made to the technique, human structure, or equipment.
    • Example: Helmet design to reduce concussions; assessing effectiveness of mouth guards.

Analyzing Movement Performance

  • Qualitative Analysis

    • Non-numerical assessment of movement through visualization (e.g., direct observation or video assessment).
    • Benefits: Low cost, easy implementation with minimal equipment.
    • Limitations: Subjectivity, requires trained observers to ensure accurate assessments.

  • Quantitative Analysis

    • Numerical assessment to collect data on aspects like velocity and acceleration.
    • Benefits: Objective results allowing for comparisons over time or between individuals.
    • Limitations: Requires specialized equipment which may be costly and complicated.

Examples of Assessments

  • Qualitative Example (Landing Technique):

    • The recommended landing position is the "ready position," which should involve:
    • Weight on the balls of the feet.
    • Chest down, butt back.
    • Effective weight distribution to maintain readiness and stability.

  • Quantitative Example (Force Plate Measurement):

    • Force plates measure landing forces and their direction allowing for objective quantification of landing techniques.
    • Example: When landing, how forces vary across different axes and their potential implications for performance and injury risk.

Understanding Movement Analysis

Qualitative Movement Analysis
  • Focus on visual aspects of movement (positioning, sequencing) and requires understanding normal vs. abnormal movement patterns.
  • Movement occurs in cardinal planes:
    1. Sagittal Plane:
    • Divides body into left and right.
    • Movement: Flexion and extension.
    1. Transverse Plane:
    • Divides body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower).
    • Movement: Rotation.
    1. Frontal Plane:
    • Divides body into anterior (front) and posterior (back).
    • Movement: Abduction and adduction.
Significance of Observation Position
  • Ensure the observer is positioned perpendicular to the plane of movement for accurate assessment.

Key Movements in the Ankle

  • Dorsiflexion: Raising toes toward the head.
  • Plantar Flexion: Pushing toes down (e.g., pressing gas pedal).
  • Inversion: Foot's plantar surface turns inward.
  • Eversion: Foot's plantar surface turns outward.
Example Exercises in Movement Analysis
  • Evaluate the various movements (e.g., squats, jumps) and identify their corresponding planes and ideal observation angles.

Considerations for Injury Assessment

  • Genu Valgus: Medial knee displacement, associated with risk for ACL injuries due to improper alignment and landing techniques.

Application of Biomechanics Principles

  • Multiple segments of the body based on their roles in movement, internal forces (muscle actions), and external influences (ground impact, equipment interaction).
Principles of Movement Modification
  1. Multi-segment Analysis: Identifying how different body segments work together.
  2. Biological Constraints: Understanding anatomical and physiological limits of human tissues.
  3. Mechanical Principles: Application of physics to optimize techniques for performance improvement.

Specific Career Paths Utilizing Biomechanics

  • Coaches, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and equipment designers.
    • Emphasis on understanding biomechanics to enhance performance, rehabilitate injuries, and develop efficient movement strategies.

Force in Biomechanics

  • Definition of Force: Any push or pull applied to a body.
  • Types of Forces: Internal (muscular forces) and external (gravity, contact forces).
Vector Analysis in Forces
  • Length of force vectors represents the magnitude of velocity; direction indicates the movement direction.
  • Propulsive Force: Applied in the same direction as the body's movement increases velocity.
  • Deceleration Force: Applied in the opposite direction decreases velocity.

Conclusion

  • Biomechanics is a crucial component of understanding human movement, aiding in performance enhancement, injury prevention, and supporting varied professional fields in health and fitness.