What is Biomechanics? Biomechanics: –Hall. Basic biomechanics, p. 3 “... application of mechanical principles to the study of living organisms.” and “… use of the tools of mechanics... to study the anatomical and functional aspects of living organisms.” Biomechanics of human movement: –Kreighbaum & Barthels. Biomechanics: A qualitative study of human movement, p 1 “that area of study wherein the knowledge and methods of mechanics are applied to the structure and function of the living human system.” This course focuses on the biomechanics of human movement Good website on biomechanics: Biomechanics world wide HomeBiomechanics world wide Home

Various types/contexts of human movement Occupational biomechanics Sport biomechanics Rehab biomech Orthopedic biom Sport medicine? (Aging) Exercise biom?

Selected practical issues of interest to biomechanists and practitioners Exercise biomechanics: –Do you really need an abdominal exercise device? Which type is best? –What are the relevant biomechanical correlates of aerobic exercise to enable the most appropriate one for individuals Example: What are the ground reaction forces during various types of aerobic dancing ? Which types are contraindicated for older women? –What types of exercises are effective in promoting bone density? Sport biomechanics: –What specific factors should a coach or athlete focus on in order to produce an increase in performance? –Which mode of exercise is best for producing increased power performance? –Which sport implement or exercise device is best suited for you? –How does the height of the mound affect pitching technique and/or potential for injury?

Issues & problems, cont’d Developmental/aging biomechanics –Does exercise play a role in promoting bone density or preventing osteoporosis? How? –Does activity level/type during formative years affect bone density later in life? –How can we prevent falls in aging people? –What special bone growth/injury problems do we have in youth? (mound height study) Occupational biomechanics (ergonomics): –What movements and stresses contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome? Low back pain? Shoulder joint impingement? –What is the most efficient, or effective way to do a particular work task?

General Approaches to Analyzing Biomechanics of Human Movement Basic approaches to studying human movement –Kinetic vs Kinematic –Static vs Dynamic –Qualitative vs Quantitative –Maximize, minimize, or optimize Factors-Results Approach- a quantitative, heirarchial, deterministic model (Adrian, p 17) –Identify result –List factors that produce the result Holistic Principle Approach –Describe the movement –Describe overall performance goal in specific biomechanical terms –Divide movement into phases –Describe purpose/goal of each phase –Identify anatomical, mechanical, and environmental considerations –Determine biomechanical principles for successful performance of each phase and total movement –Assess performance based on these principles

Hay’s heirarchial factors-results analysis model. Each lower factor influences the linked factor above

The Holistic Model: The baseball swing

Holistic Model – the baseball swing

Tools Needed for Biomechanical Analyses Prerequisite knowledge –Mathematics –Physics –Anatomy Measurement tools –Kinematics – time, space relationships –Kinetics – forces (and their derivatives) and motion relationships –Electromyography Experience Problems, issues, and ideas

Assignment for Monday, Jan 30 Identify and be prepared to describe one or more areas of study or specific problems in biomechanics that you are most interested in, knowing more about, and/or perhaps do a literature review on Do a cursory electronic search of your topic and locate a few journal articles Using a search engine of your choice: –Locate an internet website that deals with problems and issues in an area of special interest to you –Give a short verbal summary of the contents of the site to the class. Include in your comments the following: (1) site URL and description, (2)general purpose, (3) intended audience, and (4) specifically, how the site is beneficial to you and others. Read: (1) Hamill Ch 8 and 9 (Kinematics review); (2) Kreighbaum pp & Adrian pp ,