APPLIED BIOMECHANICS KIN 340 KIN 340

Introduction What is Biomechanics? The study of internal and external forces acting on the body segments, and the effects produced by these forces. The study of internal and external forces acting on the body segments, and the effects produced by these forces. The principles of engineering, specifically mechanics, applied to human movement. The principles of engineering, specifically mechanics, applied to human movement.

Mechanics Statics constant state of motion Dynamics acceleration present KinematicsKineticsKinetics of motionless systems Constant velocity systems KinematicsKinetics

Kinematics: study of the variables that describe or quantify motion Displacement Velocity Acceleration Kinetics – study of the variables that cause or influence motion Forces Torques Mass

Problems studied by biomechanists Biomechanists use the principles of mechanics in the analysis of human movement to answer questions such as: 1. How can human performance be enhanced? 2. How can injuries be prevented? 3. How can rehabilitation from injury be expedited?

Areas of Biomechanics Sports Biomechanics Sports Biomechanics Occupational Biomechanics Occupational Biomechanics Clinical Biomechanics Clinical Biomechanics

Sports Biomechanics By understanding and applying mechanical concepts, sports biomechanists assess the most optimal way to move the body in order to achieve maximal performance, whilst minimizing risk of injury. By understanding and applying mechanical concepts, sports biomechanists assess the most optimal way to move the body in order to achieve maximal performance, whilst minimizing risk of injury.

Sequential motion: the acceleration of body segments occurs sequentially, in a proximal to distal fashion Ideal coordination pattern for most throwing and striking skills.

Occupational Biomechanics The goal is to design machines and the workplace to reduce repetitive stress on workers’ joints. The goal is to design machines and the workplace to reduce repetitive stress on workers’ joints.

Clinical Biomechanics Clinical biomechanists analyze the mechanics of injured patients and provide feedback (biofeedback) to restore normal function. Clinical biomechanists analyze the mechanics of injured patients and provide feedback (biofeedback) to restore normal function.