Chapter 2: Biomechanics (pg. 35)

Question 1

What disciplines make up the study of biomechanics?

Answer 1

• Physics: fluid mechanics, thermodynamics
• Biology: tendons/muscles
• Mathematics: calculus/algebra

Question 2

What are kinematics?

Answer 2

The study of how things move (including the human body)

Question 3

5 benefits of warming up?

Answer 3

1. Cardiorespiratory enhancements (increased utilization of oxygen by muscles - less lactic acid buildup)
2. Increased blood flow to active muscles (sends nutrients, cleanses metabolic waste, prevents premature fatigue)
3. Increased body temperature (warm muscles are more flexy/resistant to injury and they contract with less resistance)
4. Enhanced motor skills and brain transmissions with nervous impulses moving faster (muscle movements are made with more ease)
5. Increased discomfort from muscles and cardiorespiratory system (discomfort during the workout is a good signal of progress and adaptation, discomfort that only occurs after the workout is indicative of a more chronic injury)

Question 4

What are the three groups of proprioceptors?

Answer 4

1. Ligament, joint and skin proprioceptors
2. Neck and inner ear proprioceptors
3. Muscle proprioceptors.

Question 5

What are pronation and supination?

Answer 5

• Pronation: Turn the palms down (think of the “I’m a pro” gesture)
• Supination: Turn the palms up (think of the “What’s up?” gesture)

Question 6

What are the three planes of motion that intersect at one point in the body?

Answer 6

1. Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right halves. Movements in this plane are forward and backward, like walking, squatting, or bicep curls (think flexion/extension).
2. Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) halves. Movements in this plane are side-to-side, like lateral raises, side lunges, or jumping jacks (think adduction, abduction).
3. Transverse Plane: Divides the body into top (superior) and bottom (inferior) halves. Movements in this plane involve rotation, like twisting, turning your head, or swinging a golf club (think rotation).

Question 7

Concentric, eccentric, and isometric are the names of three major types of ___?

Answer 7

Muscle action

Question 8

How is muscle strength typically measured?

Answer 8

The manual muscle test (MMT)

Question 9

What system of the body is in charge of proprioception?

Answer 9

The nervous system

Question 10

What are proprioception and interoception?

Answer 10

• Proprioception: Perception of space, position of objects, and your body’s position and location on your environment.
• Interoception: Sensing internal signals from your body (emotion, hunger, bathroom)

Question 11

What are muscle insertions and muscle origins?

Answer 11

• Origin: The stable, proximal attachment point.
• Insertion: The mobile, distal attachment point.

Together, the origin and insertion work to create movement by pulling on bones across a joint.

Question 12

What are proximal and distal?

Answer 12

• Proximal: Closer to the torso or point of origin. (Think: proximity)
• Distal: Farther from the torso or point of origin. (Think: distant)

These terms are most commonly used when describing the position of structures along the arms or legs.

Question 13

4 benefits of cooling down?

Answer 13

1. Delays onset of muscle soreness (by reducing lactic acid buildup)
2. Prevent light-headedness/fainting (high heart rate + venous pool = bad)
3. Keep muscles warm for longer (good for injury prevention)
4. Use up excess adrenaline (unused adrenaline in the blood + lack of output for adrenaline = stressed heart)

Question 14

What is venous pool?

Answer 14

In summary, venous pooling happens when blood collects in the veins, particularly in the legs, due to insufficient movement or issues with vein function. (Remember, veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart)