APPLIED APPLIED BIOMECHANICSBIOMECHANICS

KIN 340KIN 340

IntroductionIntroductionWhat is Biomechanics?What is Biomechanics?

The study of internal and external The study of internal and external forces acting on the body segments, and forces acting on the body segments, and the effects produced by these forces.the effects produced by these forces.

The principles of engineering, The principles of engineering, specifically mechanics, applied to specifically mechanics, applied to human movement. human movement.

Mechanics

Statics constant state of

motion

Dynamics acceleration

present

Kinematics KineticsKinetics of motionless systems

Constant velocity systems

Kinematics Kinetics

Kinematics: study of the variables that describe or quantify motion

• Displacement• Velocity• Acceleration

Kinetics – study of the variables that cause or influence motion

• Forces• Torques • Mass

Problems studied by biomechanistsProblems studied by biomechanists

Biomechanists use the principles ofBiomechanists use the principles of

mechanics in the analysis of humanmechanics in the analysis of human

movement to answer questions such as:movement to answer questions such as:

1. How can human performance be 1. How can human performance be enhanced? enhanced?

2. How can injuries be prevented?2. How can injuries be prevented?

3. How can rehabilitation from injury be 3. How can rehabilitation from injury be expedited?expedited?

Areas of BiomechanicsAreas of Biomechanics

Sports BiomechanicsSports Biomechanics

Occupational BiomechanicsOccupational Biomechanics

Clinical BiomechanicsClinical Biomechanics

Sports BiomechanicsSports Biomechanics

By understanding and applying By understanding and applying mechanical concepts, sports mechanical concepts, sports biomechanists assess the most optimal biomechanists assess the most optimal way to move the body in order to achieve way to move the body in order to achieve maximal performance, whilst minimizing maximal performance, whilst minimizing risk of injury. risk of injury.

Sequential motion: Sequential motion: the acceleration the acceleration of body segments occurs sequentially, of body segments occurs sequentially, in a proximal to distal fashionin a proximal to distal fashion

Ideal coordination pattern for most throwing and striking skills.

Occupational BiomechanicsOccupational Biomechanics

The goal is to design machines and The goal is to design machines and the workplace to reduce repetitive the workplace to reduce repetitive stress on workers’ joints. stress on workers’ joints.

Clinical BiomechanicsClinical Biomechanics

Clinical biomechanists analyze the Clinical biomechanists analyze the mechanics of injured patients and mechanics of injured patients and provide feedback (biofeedback) to provide feedback (biofeedback) to restore normal function.restore normal function.