CH1: Introduction Flashcards
What does “bio” mean?
Biology: the study of the structure and function of living organisms
What does “mechanics” mean?
Branch of physics: study the effects of forces that act on an object
What is “biomechanics”?
The discipline that studies the effects of forces acting on living organisms, including the effects of these forces on structure and function
How can biomechanics be applied?
- Human activities are objectively described using physical qualities
- The causes of an activity are determined
- The effects of manipulating the causes of tasks are studied
- Rational decisions can be made to improve function
Why do we learn biomechanics?
- Practical:
a. Improve performance
b. Reduce injury potential
c. Restore physical function following injury, disease, or illness
d. Provide accommodations for physical dysfunction due to injury, disease, or illness - Theoretical:
a. Explain physiological adaptation
b. Understand the anatomical function
How do you calculate walking speed?
Walking speed = stride length * stride frequency
- running, skating, etc.
How do you calculate swimming speed?
Swimming speed = stroke length * stroke frequency
how do you calculate cycling speed?
Cycling speed = chain travel * cadence (pedal frequency)
What is an individual’s average running speed the product of?
It is the product of their stride length and stride frequency
- Most individuals trying to run faster focus on increasing their stride frequency, or how often their lower limbs cycle through their range of motion.
- Bolt’s stride frequency was lower than his competitors, meaning his lower limbs cycled through their range of motion slower than the other finalists.
What are physical quantities?
- Physical property of a phenomenon, body, or substance
- Can be quantified by measurement
- Physical quantities are objective descriptors
What is length?
The physical/spatial distance between two points in space. The distance between these points can be referenced to a known value or “scaled” i.e. 1 meter
What is time?
A measure of succession between two events. The temporal distance between two events. The temporal distance between these two events can be referenced to a known or “scaled” value i.e. 1 second.
What is mass?
The amount of matter forming an object. A measure of the gravitational attraction between one object and another also having mass.
What is temperature?
The amount of energy possessed by the particles of an object. Temperature is measured in Kelvin, where at 0 K (absolute zero), the object possesses not energy.
