Introduction toBiomechanicsIntroduction toBiomechanics

Biomechanics – What is it?Biomechanics – What is it?

• The mechanical bases of biological systems.

• The application of mechanical laws to living structures.

Biomechanics – What is it? (cont.)

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?

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.)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.)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?

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.)

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.)

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 – 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.)

Biomechanics – Does it exist in more than one field? (cont.)

What do we havein common?

What do we havein common?

• Application of fundamental mechanical principles to the study of structure and function of living systems.

• Common measurement and analysis tools.

Divisions of MechanicsDivisions of Mechanics

Statics Dynamics Fluids

Kinematics Kinetics

Linear Angular

Deformable Solids

Stress Strain

(Bio)mechanics

Why Study Biomechanics?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”?