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.)
• 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 more
than 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 have
in 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
Statics
Dynamics
Kinematics
Kinetics
Linear
Angular
Deformable
Solids
Fluids
Stress
Strain
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”?