Introduction to Biomechanics

Biomechanics – What is it? The mechanical bases of biological systems. The application of mechanical laws to living structures.

Biomechanics – What is it? (cont.) The study of the structure and function of biological systems by means of the methods of mechanics. The science concerned with the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects produced by these forces.

Kinesiology – Is it the same as biomechanics? Kinesis (motion) + -logy (science, study of) Applied anatomy and mechanics Rasch & Burke (1978). Kinesiology =anatomy (science of structure) +physiology (science of body function) +mechanics (science of movement) =science of movement of the human body.

Kinesiology (cont.) Old (pre-1980) usage –Title of a functional (applied) anatomy + biomechanics course (“Kinesiology”). Continue to see that use –many programs now put extra descriptors in the title for clarification (e.g., “Anatomical Kinesiology”, “Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology”).

Kinesiology (cont.) Current (post-1980) usage –One of several terms used to characterize the discipline or field (e.g., “Department of Kinesiology”). Other terms include “Exercise Science and Physical Education”, “Exercise and Sport Sciences”, “Human Movement Studies”, or “Movement Science”. –Potentially an umbrella term for any form of anatomical, physiological, psychological, or mechanical analysis of human movement.

Biomechanics: Does it exist in more than one field? Exercise and sport biomechanics Orthopedic biomechanics Occupational biomechanics Biomechanics of other biological systems

Biomechanics – Does it exist in more than one field? (cont.) Exercise and sport biomechanics –improving athletic performance, reduction of athletic injuries

Biomechanics – Does it exist in more than one field? (cont.) Orthopedic biomechanics –artificial limbs, joints, and orthoses to improve functional movement capacity –study of natural and artificial biological tissues

Occupational Biomechanics –Ergonomics and Human Factors –reduction of workplace injuries Biomechanics – Does it exist in more than one field? (cont.)

Biomechanics of other biological systems –Comparative biomechanics (e.g., swimming in fish, locomotion in apes) –Equine (horse) and canine (dog) racing performance Biomechanics – Does it exist in more than one field? (cont.)

What do we have in common? Application of fundamental mechanical principles to the study of structure and function of living systems. Common measurement and analysis tools.

Divisions of Mechanics StaticsDynamicsFluids KinematicsKinetics LinearAngular Deformable Solids StressStrain (Bio)mechanics

Why Study Biomechanics? From a mechanical perspective… –How do we generate and control our movements? –What mechanical and/or anatomical factors determine or limit movement outcomes? –How can we make our movements “better”?