Biomechanics Flashcards
What is biomechanics?
The science examining internal/external forces acting on the human body, and the effects produced by these forces.
Where is biomechanics used?. (There are 6 different examples)
Health and Phys. Ed. Sports medicine. Physical therapy Kinesiology Biomechanical engineering Zoology
Compare quantitative and qualitative studies.
Quantitative: Numbers, data that can be measured.
Qualitative: Descriptions, observed data.
What can biomechanists can provide coaches and instructors with? (4 points)
- Knowledge on how a skill is done.
- A basis for comparison of techniques.
- Better teaching and coaching techniques.
- Improved error detection and correction.
What does kinematics describe?
Spatial and timing characteristics of the human body and its segments.
What 4 questions does kinematics answer about a motion?
How long, fast, far, consistent.
List the 7 kinematic variables.
Time Displacement Velocity Acceleration Angular displacement Angular velocity Angular acceleration.
Would variable describes the velocity of a baseball pitcher’s arm?
Angular velocity.
Compare displacement and velocity.
Displacement: distance & direction.
Velocity: speed (magnitude) and direction.
What does kinetics focus on?
Various forces that cause a movement. Can be internal or external.
Generally, internal forces cause _______ movements, and external forces affect ______ movements.
individual body, total body
Describe the particle model of analysis.
A dot represents the center of mass of an object.
Gravity is usually the only external force. (sometimes air resistance).
Object/body is called a projectile.
In what situation would you use a particle model for motion analysis.
When the object is airborne / in flight.
Describe the stick figure model.
Body is represented as a stick figure.
External forces are shown with vectors.
In what situation would you use a stick figure model?
When the athlete is in contact with the ground or an earth-bound object.
Gross motor skills that occur in two dimensions.
Not good at representing fine muscle movements.
