Mastering Kinesiology and Biomechanics - Essential Concepts and Techniques for Efficient Body Mechanics

1. Chapter 4: Kinesiology and Biomechanics

2. Introduction • Anatomical terminology • Kinesiology • Body system conditions • Biomechanics

3. Anatomical Terminology • Kinesiology • Study of human movement • Biomechanics • Study of effect of internal and external factors on movement of living creatures • Body mechanics • Efficient and effective use of body while performing massage

4. Anatomical Terminology—(cont.) • Anatomical position • Standing • Feet shoulder-width apart • Arms at sides • Palms facing forward • Used as reference when describing locations of body structures

5. Planes of Division

6. Directional Terms

7. Directional Terms

8. Anterior Body Regions

9. Posterior Body Regions

10. Kinesiology • Arthrology (study of joints) • Joint • Mechanical structure where neighboring bones are connected with connective tissue and cartilage • Passive structure that allows movement to occur • Provides stability and shock absorption

11. Kinesiology—(cont.) • Types of joints (by amount of movement allowed) • Synarthrotic • Nearly immovable, fibrous (skull sutures) • Amphiarthrotic • Slightly movable, cartilaginous (pubis symphysis, between vertebrae) • Diarthrotic (synovial) • Freely movable, joint capsule with synovial fluid (shoulder, hip, knee, elbow)

12. Kinesiology—(cont.) • Components of diarthrotic (synovial) joints • Articular cartilage • Bursae • Joint capsule • Joint cavity • Ligaments • Synovial membrane

13. Types of Synovial Joints

14. Kinesiology—(cont.) • Range of motion (ROM) • Amount of movement that occurs at a joint • Normal ROM: distance and direction a joint can sustain without damage to surrounding tissues • Active ROM: client actively moves own joint • Passive ROM: therapist moves client’s joint • Resisted ROM: client moves joint while therapist resists

15. Myology: The Study of Muscles • Skeletal muscle contraction • Nerve supply to muscles • Cervical, brachial, lumbar, and sacral plexuses • Neuromuscular junction • Energy requirements (ATP) • Direct phosphorylation • Anaerobic cellular respiration • Aerobic cellular respiration • Proprioceptors

16. Mechanisms for Generating ATP

17. Myology: The Study of Muscles—(cont.) • Types of muscle fibers • Slow-twitch • Smaller, red, aerobic • Slow to contract, less powerful, long duration • Fast-twitch • Anaerobic • Contract quickly and powerfully in short bursts • Type IIa: pink and slightly larger than slow-twitch fibers • Type IIx: white (no blood supply) and largest fibers

18. Myology: The Study of Muscles—(cont.) • Skeletal muscle activity • Static contractions (isometric) • Dynamic contractions • Concentric • Eccentric • Extreme conditions • Atrophy • Hypertrophy • Tetany

19. Types of Contractions

20. Myology: The Study of Muscles—(cont.) • Muscle movement and coordination • Prime movers • Synergists • Fixators (stabilizers or supporters) • Antagonists • Effects of exercise on muscles • Effects of stretching on muscles

21. Myology: The Study of Muscles—(cont.) • Body movements • Flexion/extension • Abduction/adduction • Horizontal abduction/adduction • Lateral flexion left/right • Lateral/medial rotation • Upward/downward rotation • Circumduction • Opposition • Lateral deviation • Plantarflexion/ dorsiflexion • Inversion/eversion • Elevation/depression • Protraction/retraction • Pronation/supination • Inhalation/exhalation

22. Biomechanics • Components of good body mechanics • Efficient structural alignment • Leaning • Lifting • Symmetric stance • Asymmetric stance • Ergonomics • Equipment • Workspace design

23. Symmetric Stance

24. Asymmetric Stance

25. Sitting on a Chair to Conserve Energy

26. Body Awareness • Am I using my whole body? • Is there a straight line formed by my head, hips, and back foot? • Are my hips and front foot facing my work? • Are my wrists, hands, and shoulders relaxed? • Are any of my joints hyperextended? • Am I breathing? • Does my body hurt anywhere?

27. Improper Body Mechanics • Body areas prone to injury • Neck and shoulders • Wrist and hands • Back • Knees • Ankles and feet

28. Improper Body Mechanics—(cont.) • Injury prevention: stretching before and between sessions • Breathe deeply. • Relax. • Stretch slowly to avoid the stretch reflex. • Hold the stretch for at least 10 seconds to trigger the tendon reflex, which comfortably enhances the stretch.

29. Improper Body Mechanics—(cont.) • Injury prevention: general guidelines • Consistently use all components of good body mechanics. • Rest body and hands by scheduling clients 15 minutes apart. • Stretch before and after massage sessions. • Use proper table height. • Make sure you have plenty of room to move around table. • Use a variety of techniques in your massage session. • Be cautious with applications of sustained pressure. • Increase physical fitness and endurance; get sleep and rest.

30. Summary • Learn body mechanics in the classroom from your instructor. • Practice concepts of body mechanics outside the classroom. • Adopt working stances that minimize stress on your body. • Practice body awareness to find proper stances.