Special Topic Flashcards
Two main aims of applying Biomechanics to human movement are to?
- Improve performance
- Reduce risk
List four ways a biomechanical movement analysis can be performed.
- Quantitative
- Qualitative
- Basic
- Complex
List or describe several features of a basic biomechanical movement analysis.
- Easy to perform
- Requires little expertise
- Produces fast outcome measures
List or describe several basic biomechanical movement analysis tests or assessments
- Basic gait assessment
- Sit to stand test; stair climb test; balance assessment; etc.
- Basic technique assessment
- Flexibility / ROM assessment
- Qualitative video analysis
List or describe several examples when a basic biomechanical movement analysis could add value
to the needs of a client or athlete.
- They are learning a new skill or technique;
- They have movement limitations due to disability or disease;
- They have a persistent, recurring injury;
- They are about to commence an exercise program from a sedentary lifestyle;
Define what is meant by the term ‘Movement asymmetry’.
Movement which is not symmetrical
E.g. Having a dominate hand
Do all movement asymmetries relate to dysfunction and/or injury?
No, humans are naturally asymmetrical (both in movement and anatomically), and those asymmetries can actually be beneficial at times.
If a client demonstrates an asymmetry with no pain, should this asymmetry be rectified? Explain
your answer
If no pain exists and the asymmetry due to a structural difference, then it is often best to leave it alone.
- Changing mechanics may actually trigger pain or injury
- Forcing an unnatural (for them) biomechanical position can = disaster.
- A slight malalignment, body position shifts or goofy foot positioning doesn’t mean a fix or change is needed.
As an exercise science graduate, is it beyond your scope of practice to perform a basic movement
analysis to screen for asymmetry or movement irregularity?
- Screen for asymmetry, dysfunctional movement / technique or movement associated with injury / pain.
- Perhaps cue / advise correct movement patterns.
- Refer for specialist analysis!!
Describe how biomechanical features of an Ectomorph body physique could affect sports
performance or talent identification
Lean, lightweight skeleton, tall & long limbs.
Suitability:
- Endurance activities
- Weight restricted / limited sports
- Projection, hitting, throwing sports (tennis)
Describe how biomechanical features of an Mesomorph body physique could affect sports
performance or talent identification.
Increased muscle mass, larger / heavier skeleton, shorter & shorter limb length
Suitability:
- Strength / Power activities
- Non-weight restricted / limited sport
Describe how biomechanical features of an Endomorph body physique could affect sports
performance or talent identification.
Higher fat mass, heavy skeleton, round shape, generally shorter
Suitability:
- Some combat / impact activities, can be strong & powerful (sumo wrestling)
Provide several examples and explain how being tall or having long limbs can provide a
biomechanical advantage to sporting performance.
Lever advantage
- Rowing, Cricket fast bowling, Golf, Swimming
Height advantage
- Basketball, Netball, Volleyball
Reach advantage
- Boxing, Tennis, Soccer goal keeping
Provide several examples and explain how being short or having short limbs can provide a
biomechanical advantage to sporting performance.
Height advantage
- Gymnastics, Diving (reduce moment of inertia to tuck body in and spin faster)
Increased agility
- Change of direction speed
- Court & team based sports
Provide several examples and explain how a large body mass can provide a biomechanical
advantage to sporting performance.
Collision / combat sports
- Sumo wrestling, Rugby forward
