Linear Kinematics of Human

Movement
• Studies “the geometry, pattern, or form of motion
with respect to time.”
• Important in the study of skill technique and
performance.
• Useful for analyzing and improving athletic skill
performance.
• Widely used in the study of motor development
and rehabilitation. (pp 322-323)
 Linear Distance and
Displacement
• Linear Distance
– The total length of the path traveled by a moving
object.
• Linear Displacement
– The straight line distance from the start to the finish of
the path of a moving object.
• Units
– Linear displacement and distance are measured in
distance units (ft, m, cm, km, miles, etc.)
 finish

start

• Linear Distance – In a 200 m race, the race

distance is determined by the actual path
covered by the runner.
 finish

displacement

start

• Linear Displacement – In a 200 m race, the

displacement is the direct distance across
the infield from the start to the finish.
 Linear Velocity
• Average Linear Velocity – Found by
dividing the total distance traveled by the
time it takes to cover the distance. This
doesn’t account for an increase or decrease
in velocity during the movement.
– EXAMPLE: A runner takes 10 s to run a 100 m
race. The average velocity during the race is:
v = 100 m/10 s = 10 m/s
 Linear Velocity
• Instantaneous Linear Velocity – The actual
velocity at a given instant during a
movement.
– EXAMPLE: At the 15 m point in a 100 m race
a runner may be moving at 7 m/s while at the
60 m point the velocity may be 12 m/s. This
accounts for changes in velocity during the
race.