Problem Solving Approach to

Biomechanics
Proper decision making desired
outcome
Good problem solving involves an
approach that is:
Efficient
Systematic
Structured
 Types of Analysis
Qualitative – Involves a non-numerical
description.
“The boulder is heavy.”
Quantitative – Involves the use of
numbers.
“The boulder weighs 750 pounds.”
 Solving Qualitative Problems
 Is the movement being performed with proper
or adequate force?
 Is the movement being performed through an
appropriate range of motion?
 Is the sequence (or pattern) of body movements
appropriate (or optimal) for the execution of
the skill?
 Qualitative data may be collected based on:
 Observation
 Knowledge of skill technique
 Formal Problem Solving
Method
 Given a set of information or data
EXAMPLE: An ACL requiring reconstruction
 Establish a goal or desired result
EXAMPLE: Regain strength, stability, and range
of motion
 Implement a procedure or process to achieve
the goal
EXAMPLE: Surgery followed by therapeutic
rehabilitation
 Format for Quantitative
Problem Solving
GIVEN: List the known data and conditions. (Write down
what you know, including implied information.)
FIND: Formally state the goal of the solution.
DIAGRAM: Pictorially represent the problem (when this
is practical).
FORMULAS: List the formulas to be used and any
inferred or derived information.
SOLUTION: Actual steps in solving the problem. Solve
for unknown variables.
ANSWER: Make sure that this is expressed in the
appropriate units.
GIVEN: A car driving at an average velocity of 30
MPH (or 30 miles/hr)
FIND: The distance the car will travel in 83 minutes
DIAGRAM:
t = 0 min V = 30 miles/hr t = 83 min

distance
FORMULAS: velocity = distance/time
Therefore, distance = velocity*time
1 hour = 60 minutes
SOLUTION:
Time = (83 minutes)(1 hr/60 minutes) = 1.38 hrs
distance = (30 miles/hr)(1.38 hrs)
ANSWER: distance = 41.4 miles