60. Sports Biomechanics Flashcards
What is sports biomechanics?
Study of the movements of the body using the science of mechanics
Study of the forces aciting on and within the body and studying how the body responds to these forces
What are the different methods used for analysis in sports biomechanics
3D motion capture
Force and Pressure plates
Force transducers
EMG
Anthropometric measurements (measure lengths)
What are the advantages of studying biomechanics
To improve performance
To prevent injuries
To improve treatment
What are the three main areas of biomechanics
Rigid body mechanics- Treat all body areas as segements
Deformable body mechanics- Studies stresses and strains in tissue
Fluid mechanics- Studying forces in fluids
What are the sub-sections of rigid body mechanics
Statics- forces that apply on the body at rest or in a constant motion
Dynamics- Body in motion with acceleration
Kinematics- describing the motion
Kinetics- Forces associated with motion
What is meant by torque
The ability to rotate an object around an axis
What is meant by moment arm
What is true about the lenght of the moment arm
Distance between the point were the Force is applied and the centre of rotation
The longer the moment arm, the greater the torque able to be generated for equal force
What can be said about the relationship between moment arm and muscle moment arm
If muscle moment arm is much smaller than muscle resistance then the forces required to overcome will be larger
What is a real world technique that applies ot the advantages of muscle moment arm and muscle resistance
Biceps curls completed at 90 degrees are more effective that curls completed at 140-150 degrees
Why do we have a patella?
Increases the angle of pull for the quadriceps therefore increasing the effectiveness of the extensors of the knee
What are the various resistances an athelete may encounter
Air resistance
Water resistance
Ground reaction force
What is the function of gutters in swimming
Allows for buffering of currents to reduce the turbulence within pools
What is ground reaction force
The force generated by the ground when force is appleid to it e.g. running
2-3 times bodyweight of athlete
What is done to reduce ground friction?
Spike length and track design
How much stress goes through the patella during
Climbing stiars
Squatting
Jumping
Climbing Stairs- 3x BW
Squatting- 7-8x BW
Jumping- 20x BW
What adaptations does the patella have
Double the amount of articular catilage
5-6mm vs 2-3mm average
How is energy absorbed within the body?
Eccentric muslce activity
Cartilage deformation
Bone deformation and microfractures
How does bone mass change throughout age?
Peaks 20-30 both sexes
Declines steadily after 30
Woman declines rapidly around menopause due to oestroegon inhibits osteoclasts and now oestrogen is gone
How many runners experience injuries each year?
30-75%
Summarise the benefits of runnign barefoot
Good for joints if you plant on forefoot/midfoot
No one can run for miles without heel striking due to decreased effeciency and fatiguing of calf muscles and achilles tendon
