Chapters 7 and 8 Flashcards
Goal of Biomechanics
To understand how basic laws of mechanical physics and
engineering affect and shape the structure and function of
the human body
physics and engineering in humans
What is mechanics
a branch of physics that documents motion and the causes of motion
what is kinematics
documenting motion
what is kinetics
causes of motion
Two main themes of the biomechanics of physical activities
- Function: how we produce forces to generate, maintain, or
slow down movement during physical activity - Structure: how forces (such as gravity) affect our body tissues
Why use biomechanics of physical activity
Help us function
Complete tasks
Stay healthy
Performance of any person can be improved in almost any situation or task that involves physical activity - true or false
true
Biomechanics research methods
motion measurement devices - cameras, sensors, phones
force measurement devices - platforms
EMG - electromyography - muscle and nerve function
Computer simulations
Newton’s 1st Law of Motion (Intertia)
An object at rest will stay at rest unless
acted upon by an outside force. Objects in motion will
remain in motion with the same speed and in the same
direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
Newtion’s 2nd Law of Motion
Acceleration is produced when a force acts on a
mass. The greater the mass, the greater the force needed
to accelerate it.
Exercise Psychology vs. Sport Psychology
Exercise Psychology
focuses on psychological aspects of fitness, exercise, health, and wellness.
Sport Psychology focuses on psychological aspects of
competitive sports participation
Physical Activity Specialist vs Clinical or Counseling Psychologist
Physical Activity Specialist - focuses on education or teaching of skills to enhance the performance involved in sport
Clinical or counseling psychologist - focuses on depression, phobias,
Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
ABCs of Physical Activity
Affect - emotions
* anxiety and anger and how they influence performance
Behavior - actions
*Some train exhaustively for excellence while some really talented don’t work hard
to reach potential.
Cognitions - thoughts
* Thinking process, choking under pressure. Also, self-esteem and confidence.
Research Methods for Sport and Exercise Psychology 6
*Questionnaires: psychological inventories
* Interviews: in-depth, more complex responses
* Observations: behavior checklist or coding
* Physiological measures: heart rate or brain waves
* Biochemical measures: analyze blood or urine
* Content analysis: analyze written work such as activity
journals
