9/21/2017

Introduction to
Biomechanics
KIN 304
KEVIN VALENZUELA, PHD, CSCS

What is Biomechanics?

 How would you describe it?

 The study of the structure and function of biological systems by means of

the methods of mechanics (Hatze H, 1974).

 The science that describes and predicts motions of living bodies

(Robertson D.G.E., 1997).

Mechanics

 The study of motion and the forces which cause those motions

1
 9/21/2017

Biomechanics

 Mechanical principals
applied to living
organisms (i.e. human
body)
 Resultant bodily
functions

Hall, 1991. Fig: 1.1

Biomechanics—Multidisciplinary

Robertson, 1997.
Fig: 1.1

Why study Biomechanics?

 Sport Performance
 Techniques/Skills
 Throwing technique

 Equipment
 Aerodynamics

 Training
 Figure skating: stronger
arms=tighter
turns=ability to do
triples

2
 9/21/2017

Why study Biomechanics?

 Injury Prevention
 Sport techniques
 Gymnastics landings
 Equipment
 Helmets, shoes, braces,
pads
 Occupational
techniques
 Ergonomic assessments
 https://www.playsmartpla
ysafe.com/newsroom/vid
eos/rethinking-turf-
ground/

Why study Biomechanics?

 (Pre)Rehabilitation
 Improve functionality post-injury
 Fix known cause of injury

 Determine baseline for return to activity

 Range of motion, strength level, etc.

 Improve mobility
 Pre- and post-operatively

 Fall prevention
 Balance/stability training

Giovanni Borelli

 Father of modern
biomechanics
 Determined bodies work like
machines
 Physics application
 Not just chemistry

3
 9/21/2017

Definitions

 Rigid-body mechanics—explanations and descriptions of gross and fine

movements and the relationship to physical activity (sports, exercise,
motion, etc.)
 Statics – branch of mechanics that deals with systems not subject to
accelerations.
 Dynamics – branch of mechanics that deals with systems subject to
accelerations.
 Kinematics – the study of the description of motion including
considerations of space and time.
 Kinetics – the study of forces causing or resulting from motion

Kinematics/Kinetics

 Kinematic measures =
position, distance,
speed, displacement,
velocity, acceleration.

 Kinetic measures =
work, impulse,
momentum,
torque/moment, power.

4
 9/21/2017

Units of Measurement

 Must be some common units of measurement

 Systeme-Internationale d´Unités (SI Units)
 Based on the metric system
 Length
 Measured in meters (m)
 Time
 Measured in seconds (s)
 Mass
 Measure of inertia (NOT WEIGHT!)
 Measured in kilograms (kg)
 Weight
 Force of gravity on object

First Motion Capture (Muybridge)

First Biomechanics Study?

 Do horses have all four

legs off the ground at the
same time? (research
question)
 Yes they do (hypothesis)
 12 cameras (methods)
 Galloping horse (subject)
 Image of airborne horse
(results)

5
 9/21/2017

Study of Motion

 Movies/video games
 General sense of motion

 Movement Analysis
 Kinematics/Kinetics
 Specific scientific
information

Motion

 Linear Motion
 Translation
 Angular Motion
 Rotation
 General Motion
 Combination of translation and rotation

Linear Motion
Rectilinear Translation

6
 9/21/2017

Linear Motion
Rectilinear Translation

Linear Motion
Curvilinear Translation

Linear Motion
Curvilinear Translation

7
 9/21/2017

Angular Motion

Angular Motion

General Motion

 Combination of linear and angular motion

 Most common type of motion in sports and human movement
 Examples….?

8
 9/21/2017

Clinical Use

 Identify imbalances/weaknesses
 Pre-injury (longitudinal study information)
 Examine joint stresses
 Knee/hip replacements
 Track improvements
 Rehabilitation
 Movement pattern examination
 Good vs bad ways to move

Clinical Biomechanics

Clinical Biomechanics

9
 9/21/2017

Clinical Biomechanics

Performance Biomechanics

Hip/Glute Dominant vs. Knee/Quad Dominant

Movers

10
 9/21/2017

Lifting Torque

WHY??????

11
 9/21/2017

Biomechanics

 Describe proper and improper movements

 Give us quantitative values for movement
 Numeric definitions of movement
 Scientific support for subjective observation

 Managing arousal
 Learn to narrow focus
 Improvements in acceleration/reaction time (crucial in many
sports)
 Light or sound
 http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18003023

12
 9/21/2017

Physiology

 Different training=different energy sources

 Improper functioning of skeletal muscle can lead to poor biomechanics
 Can chemical alterations affect movement patterns?
 Muscular balance/counter-balance
 Can cardiac issues affect movement patterns?
 Blood supply deficit can reduce function
 Other examples?

Psychology

 Can the mental state affect biomechanics?

 Pain management during rehabilitation
 Structurally sound yet altered movement pattern
 Management of expectations regarding situation
 How long until restoration of function?

13