Biomechanics Flashcards
What is the definition of biomechanics?
The discipline that studies the effects of forces acting on living organisms, including the effects of these forces on structure and function.
Which basic sciences are loosely divided into sub-categories?
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
What does mechanics study within physics?
The effects of forces that act on an object.
What can living organisms do in response to imposed stresses?
Adapt to stresses imposed on them.
In which professions can biomechanics be applied?
- Coaching
- Education
- Medicine
- Rehabilitation
What are kinematic descriptors of motion?
References to the angle of a joint or body segment and the speed or velocity of a movement.
What are kinetic descriptors of motion?
References to the forces in a muscle.
What is a cyclic activity?
Activities involving the same basic motions performed repetitively.
Provide examples of cyclic activities.
- Walking
- Running
- Skating
- Swimming
- Cycling
What two critical factors influence movement speed?
- Distance travelled per repetition (e.g. stride length)
- Number of repetitions per unit time (e.g. frequency)
How can one increase their average running speed?
By increasing either their stride length, stride frequency, or both.
What paradox is observed in Usain Bolt’s running speed?
Bolt’s stride frequency was lower than his competitors, yet he had a faster speed.
What is the traditional name for a squat exercise?
Deep-knee bend.
What type of squats are found to be better for muscle hypertrophy and strength?
Full squats.
What is the debate surrounding the vastus medialis muscle?
Whether it has a single component or two components (longus and oblique).
What is a physical quantity?
Any physical property that can be quantified by measuring it.
List four important base quantities in biomechanics.
- Length
- Time
- Mass
- Temperature
What is the SI unit for temperature?
Kelvin.
What is the relationship between a physical quantity and its calculation?
The definition describes what the physical quantity is, while an equation describes the relation between physical quantities.
What are the four components involved in the course designed to facilitate student success?
- Lectures
- Laboratories
- Readings and other materials
- Homework activities
True or False: Homework activities in the course will be graded.
False.
