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Introduction to Biomechanics. Biomechanics – What is it?. The mechanical bases of biological systems. The application of mechanical laws to living structures. Biomechanics – What is it? (cont.).
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Biomechanics – What is it? • The mechanical bases of biological systems. • The application of mechanical laws to living structures.
Biomechanics – What is it? (cont.) • The study of the structure and function of biological systems by means of the methods of mechanics. • The science concerned with the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects produced by these forces.
Kinesiology – Is it the same as biomechanics? • Kinesis(motion) + -logy(science, study of) • Applied anatomy and mechanics • Rasch & Burke (1978). Kinesiology • anatomy (science of structure) • physiology (science of body function) • mechanics (science of movement) • science of movement of the human body.
Kinesiology (cont.) • Old (pre-1980) usage • Title of a functional (applied) anatomy + biomechanics course (“Kinesiology”). • Continue to see that use • many programs now put extra descriptors in the title for clarification (e.g., “Anatomical Kinesiology”, “Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology”).
Kinesiology (cont.) • Current (post-1980) usage • One of several terms used to characterize the discipline or field (e.g., “Department of Kinesiology”). • Other terms include “Exercise Science and Physical Education”, “Exercise and Sport Sciences”, “Human Movement Studies”, or “Movement Science”. • Potentially an umbrella term for any form of anatomical, physiological, psychological, or mechanical analysis of human movement.
Biomechanics:Does it exist in morethan one field? • Exercise and sport biomechanics • Orthopedic biomechanics • Occupational biomechanics • Biomechanics of other biological systems
Biomechanics – Does it exist in more than one field? (cont.) • Exercise and sport biomechanics • improving athletic performance, reduction of athletic injuries
Biomechanics – Does it exist in more than one field? (cont.) • Orthopedic biomechanics • artificial limbs, joints, and orthoses to improve functional movement capacity • study of natural and artificial biological tissues
Biomechanics – Does it exist in more than one field? (cont.) • Occupational Biomechanics • Ergonomics and Human Factors • reduction of workplace injuries
Biomechanics – Does it exist in more than one field? (cont.) • Biomechanics of other biological systems • Comparative biomechanics (e.g., swimming in fish, locomotion in apes) • Equine (horse) and canine (dog) racing performance
What do we havein common? • Application of fundamental mechanical principles to the study of structure and function of living systems. • Common measurement and analysis tools.
Divisions of Mechanics (Bio)mechanics Deformable Solids Statics Dynamics Fluids Kinematics Kinetics Stress Strain Linear Angular
Why Study Biomechanics? • From a mechanical perspective… • How do we generate and control our movements? • What mechanical and/or anatomical factors determine or limit movement outcomes? • How can we make our movements “better”?