Angular Kinematics of Human

Movement

Dr. Mahboobullah
DPT (IPM&R, KMU),MSPT (KMU)
 Relative versus Absolute Angles
Relative angle:
• A relative angle is the angle formed between
the longitudinal axes of two adjacent body
segments articulating at a joint

Absolute angle:
• An absolute angle is the angular orientation of
a single body segment with respect to a fixed
line of reference.
A) Relative Angles B) Absolute Angles
 Relative Angle
• Hip = angle between trunk and thigh (anterior)
• Knee = angle between thigh and shank
(posterior)
• Ankle =angle between shank and foot (anterior)
 Tools for Measuring
Body Angles
Goniometer:
• A goniometer is a device used in physical therapy to
measure the range of motion around a joint in the body.
The term goniometry is derived from two Greek words,
gonia, meaning angle, and metron, meaning measure

• One arm fixed to protractor at 00

• Other arm free to rotate
• Center of goniometer over joint center
• Arms aligned over longitudinal axes
Electrogoniometer (elgon):
• A device for measuring angles (usually
joint angles) directly, giving an electrical
output (often interfaced to a computer).
 Inclinometers:
• An inclinometer or clinometer is an instrument
for measuring angles of slope (or tilt),
elevation or depression of an object.
 Instant center of rotation
• It is the point at which the joint surfaces are in
direct contact.
• "If one rigid body rotates about another rigid
body, its motion at any instant can be
described by a point or axis of rotation called
the instantaneous center of rotation.“
• The velocity at that point is zero.
 Angular Kinematic Relationships
Angular Distance & Displacement
• Assessed as difference of initial & final
positions
– Counterclockwise is positive
– Clockwise is negative
• Measured in
– Degrees, radians, or revolutions
 Angular Kinematic Relationships
Angular Speed & Velocity
Angular speed = angular distance /  = /
change in time t

Angular velocity = angular displacement/  = /

change in time t

Units: deg/s, rad/s, rev/s, & rpm

 Angular Kinematic Relationships
Angular Acceleration
Angular acceleration = change in angular
velocity/ change in time
 =  /t

Units – deg/s2, rad/s2, & rev/s2

 Relationship Between
Linear and Angular Motion
s = r

Where
s= linear displacement at the point of interest
 = angular displacement of the rotating body
r = is the radiusof rotation
Radius of rotation:
• The radius of rotation is the distance from the
axis of rotation to a given point of interest on
a rotating body
• Linear distance & radius of rotation same units
• Angular distance in radians
 Linear and Angular Velocity

V = r m/s = (m) (rad/s)

where
• v = linear (tangential) velocity (m/s)
• r = radius of rotation at the given point (m)
•  = angular velocity of the rotating body
(rad/s)