Chapter 5 Flashcards
Biomechanics
the study of applying laws of mechanics and physics to determine how forces affect human movement and to better predict performance in athletic events.
Superior
refers to a position above a reference point. The femur (thigh bone) is superior to the tibia (shin bone).
Inferior
refers to a position below a reference point. The calcaneus (heel bone) is inferior to the patella (knee bone).
Proximal
refers to a position nearest the center of the body or point of reference. The knee is more proximal to the hip than the ankle.
Distal
refers to a position away from the center of the body or point of reference. The ankle is more distal to the hip than the knee.
Anterior
refers to a position on or toward the front of the body. The quadriceps are located on the anterior aspect of the thigh.
Posterior
refers to a position on or toward the back of the body. The hamstring complex is located on the posterior aspect of the thigh.
Medial
Positioned near the middle of the body.
ex. the adductors (inner thigh muscles) are on the medial side of the thigh because they are on the
side of the limb closest to the midline of the body.
Lateral
refers to a position relatively farther away from the midline or toward the outside of the body.
ex. the ears are on the lateral side of the head.
Contralateral
refers to a position on the opposite side of the body.
ex. the right foot is contralateral to the left hand.
Ipsilateral
Positioned on the same side of the body.
Anatomic position
The position with the body erect with the arms at the sides and the palms forward.
Sagittal plane
An imaginary bisector that divides the body into left and right halves.
Flexion
A bending movement in which the relative angle between two adjacent segments decreases.
Extension
A straightening movement in which the relative angle between two adjacent segments increases.
Hyperextension
Extension of a joint beyond the normal limit or range of motion.
Frontal plane
An imaginary bisector that divides the body into front and back halves.
Abduction
A movement in the frontal plane away from the midline of
the body.
Adduction
Movement in the frontal plane back toward the midline of
the body.
Transverse plane
An imaginary bisector that divides the body into top and bottom halves.
Internal rotation
Rotation of a joint toward the middle of the body.
External rotation
Rotation of a joint away from the middle of the body.
Horizontal abduction
Movement of the arm or thigh in the transverse plane from an anterior position to a lateral position.
Horizontal adduction
Movement of the arm or thigh in the transverse plane from a lateral position to an anterior position.
Three types of muscle movements
Isotonic, isometric, isokinetic
Isotonic
Force is produced, muscle tension is developed, and movement occurs through a given range of motion
Eccentric
Moving in the same direction as the resistance Decelerates or reduces force
Concentric
Moving in opposite direction of force
Accelerates or produces force
Isometric
No visible movement with or against resistance
Dynamically stabilizes force
Isokinetic
The speed of movement is fixed, and resistance varies with the force exerted
Requires sophisticated training equipment often seen in
rehabilitation or exercise physiology laboratories
Rotary motion
Movement of the bones around the joints.
Torque
A force that produces rotation.
(Common unit of torque is
the newton-meter or Nm.)
Motor Behavior
Motor response to internal and external environmental
stimuli.
Motor control
How the central nervous system
integrates internal and external sensory information with previous experiences to produce a motor response.
Motor learning
Integration of motor control processes through practice and experience, leading to a relatively permanent change in the capacity to produce skilled movements.
Motor development
The change in motor skill behavior over time throughout the lifespan.
Muscle synergies
Groups of muscles that are recruited by the central nervous system to provide movement.
Sensorimotor integration
The cooperation of the nervous and muscular system in gathering and interpreting information and executing movement.
