Biomechanics 2015

Section 1:1
An Introduction to Biomechanics

Dr. Moira McPherson,

School of Kinesiology

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY

AND ANALYSIS OF HUMAN MOVEMENT

During the past decade the term

BIOMECHANICS has emerged as an area of
inquiry in the sport science domain.
Biomechanics is based on NEWTON'S
LAWS and involves the study of the motion
of bodies and the interrelationships among
the forces acting on these bodies.

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY AND

ANALYSIS OF HUMAN MOVEMENT
BIOMECHANICS: BIO = LIVING
MECHANICS = FORCES & EFFECTS
The application of mechanics to the living organism
Involves the principles of anatomy and physics in
the descriptions and analysis of movement.
Has many diverse applications to all biological
systems
The study of biological structures, processes and
functions by applying the methods and principles of
mechanics

HAY, 1995

THE SCIENCE THAT EXAMINES THE

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FORCES
ACTING ON THE BODY AND THE
EFFECTS PRODUCED BY THESE
FORCES

KINEMATICS & KINETICS

Why learn about Biomechanics?

AREAS OF STUDY,
RESEARCH AND PRACTICE

Sport and Exercise Science

Coaching
Ergonomics
Equipment Design
Gait & Locomotion
Orthopedics - Rehabilitation
-Physiotherapy,
Occupational Therapy
Prosthetics and Orthotics
Motor Control
Computer Simulation

Videotape Analysis: A
Functional Capacity Lift

Graphical Analysis

MECHANICS

Rigid body mechanics are based on

the assumption that a solid body is
considered to be a rigid body if the
distance between the particles
remains fixed when a force is
applied.

Figure 2. Force

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

We often make the

assumption that the human
skeleton can be represented
as a series of links.
Researchers have used
everything from cones to
spheres to form the links
which best approximated the
complexity of the human
body. However, by far the
most widely adopted and
simplest link system
representation is the stick
man.

The stick man uses straight sticks to represent

each of the links. In any case, regardless of the
shapes which are used we also make the
assumption that the human link system is a
system of rigid bodies connected at the joints

Figure 3.
Rigid Body Mechanics

kinematics

linear

angular

kinetics

curvilinear

parabolic

statics

dynamics

KINETICS

examines the causes of motion, the

internal and external forces that
cause motion or cause a body to
remain at rest, and the interactions
between these forces. There are two
branches of kinetics; STATICS and
DYNAMICS

KINEMATICS

Describes the
motion of a body
without reference
to the forces
causing it.
Kinematics
examines how,
when, and where a
body moves.

For example, variables such as the

displacement of a ball, the velocity of
a skater, and the acceleration of the
free leg all describe motion, and are
kinematic variables.

We classify the kinematic motion

according to the pathway it takes.
Movement may be LINEAR,
CURVILINEAR, or a combination
of the two. Curvilinear motion can
be further specified as ANGULAR
or PARABOLIC.

LINEAR MOTION

Linear motion is the

movement of a body in a
straight line or along a
straight pathway. Linear
motion is also produced
when external forces are
applied directly through
the centre of mass of an
body.

CURVILINEAR: Motion along a

curved path

ANGULAR: Angular motion takes

place when a body moves along a
circular path about some AXIS in
space. This axis is known as the
axis of rotation. Angular motion is
produced when forces are applied
away from the axis of rotation of a
body.

Our body limbs are able to rotate

about the joints because all of our
muscles are attached at some
distance from the centre of the joints.

PARABOLIC:
Bodies which are
projected into the
air will assume a
PARABOLIC PATH
and are governed
by the laws of
projectile motion.

STATICS: Statics refers to situations

where the body or object remains at
rest, or is moving at a constant
speed in a state of equilibrium.
Equilibrium is a balanced state in
which there is no acceleration.

DYNAMICS: Dynamics deals with the

changes in motion brought on by
unbalanced forces.

QUANTITATIVE VS QUALITATIVE

Both kinematics and kinetics can be analyzed

using a quantitative or qualitative approach
A quantitative analysis requires a numerical
evaluation of an individuals movement
Qualitative analysis involves a systematic
analysis of movement based on biomechanical
concepts but without actual measurement

METHODS OF ACQUIRING
DATA

1. VIDEO ACQUISITION

2. 3 D OPTICAL ACQUISITION

2 D or 3D
Points are digitized manually or by attaching
reflective markers and digi auto
3D in controlled environment
Marker only system that uses 2 12 cameras
and infra red lights to collect 3D coordinates

3. ANALOG ACQUISITON

analog sampling from force platforms, EMG or

other devices.
Can be integrated with video or 3D optical

VIDEOGRAPHY

Fax

SOME QUESTIONS that

may require quantitative
video analysis?

1. An objective of prescribing an
orthosis is usually to improve the
function of the patient. How can we
determine if the use of a foot orthotic is
correcting for the severe pronation
exhibited by a patient?
Video tape, digi and compare joint
angular displacement throughout stride

Hydro workers

Hydro workers are required to lean out

of a lift to repair the lines. The action
of leaning and working from a
distance puts dangerous loads on the
lower back injury.

How can the lift be modified to reduce

the risk of injury?

EMG

BASED ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN

FORCE AND THE ELECTRICAL
ACTIVITY ACROSS THE MUSCLE
MEMBRANE
EXAMPLE: Which exercise is best for
rehabilitation of a particular muscle?

ELECTROMYOGRAPHY-EMG
Raw EMG
Full wave
Rectify
Linear
Envelope

Integrate over
contraction

FORCE ANALYSIS
FX

Fy

Fz

How much force is applied in the

Horizontal direction?

JOINT
REACTION
FORCES

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Qualitative analysis involves a

systematic analysis of movement
based on biomechanical concepts
but without actual measurement

What does the QA process

include?

Is there a technique error?

What are the mechanical concepts
that govern specific parts of the skill ?
What the critical features of the
performance?
What is the best observation strategy?
How do you detect errors in
performance and remediate?

Sally, a powerful outside hitter on a high

school volleyball team, has been out for
two weeks with mild shoulder bursitis,
but has recently received her physicians
clearance to return to practice. The
coach notices that Sallys spikes are
traveling at a slow speed and are being
easily handled by the defensive
players?????

TEXT BOOK

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