Class 2
Terminology:
Biomechanics: The study of forces and their effect on living systems.
Dynamics: A change in velocity, and acceleration is present.
Formal problems: Formal problems are well-defined mathematical or logical challenges with
clear rules and solutions.
Informal problems: Informal problems are loosely defined challenges that may not have a
single correct solution, often requiring creative or qualitative approaches.
Inertia:
● Resistance to change (in motion)
● Measure in kilograms (kg), unit of mass
Kinematics: Examining movement or description of movement. How far or how fast something
is going, no talk about forces.
Kinematics is the branch of mechanics that describes the motion of objects without consideration
of the forces causing the motion.
Kinesiology: Kinesiology is the study of human movement, including the mechanics, anatomy,
and physiology involved.
● Examines movement from the cellular to the societal level
Kinetics: the branch of biomechanics that deals with the forces acting on or produced by a body
in motion (how much force, which forces were used, the effect of forces).
Length:
● The extent of something from end to end
● Term used to describe the position of a system
● Measured in meters (m)
Mass: Mass is a quantity of matter.
Mechanics: Analysis of forces and their effects.
Qualitative: Qualitative refers to information that is descriptive or non-numerical, often
involving characteristics or attributes.
Quantitative: Quantitative refers to information that is numerical or measurable, involving
quantities and amounts.
Rigid-body mechanics: Deformation is zero or small so it can be neglected.
Static: In a constant state of motion (motionless or moving at a constant speed).
Time:
● A duration
● A measure of performance (descriptor of success)
● Measured in seconds (s)
Review questions:
1. What is the difference between biomechanics and kinesiology?
Biomechanics specifically concentrates on the mechanical aspects of living organisms,
examining the forces, motion, and structural mechanics underlying biological movement.
Kinesiology is a broad discipline encompassing the study of human movement from
various perspectives, including biomechanics. Kinesiology integrates elements of
anatomy, physiology, psychology, and sociology to explore the complexities of
movement.
2. The field of biomechanics borrows from what other academic disciplines?
Biology and mechanics.
3. Why study biomechanics? What sort of problems can biomechanics investigate?
a. Improve performance by improving training, equipment used, and modifying
training.
b. Find techniques and design equipment to prevent and reduce injury
4. What is the difference between statics and dynamics?
a. Static: In a constant state of motion (motionless or moving at a constant speed).
b. Dynamics: A change in velocity, and acceleration is present.
5. Describe the relationship between kinematic and kinetic variables.
a. Kinematic: Examining movement or description of movement. How far or how
fast something is going, no talk about forces.
b. Kinetic: The branch of biomechanics that deals with the forces acting on or
produced by a body in motion (how much force, which forces were used, the
effect of forces).
6. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative approaches for analyzing human
movement.
Qualitative approaches to analyzing human movement involve descriptive observations,
often capturing the characteristics, patterns, and subjective aspects of motion without
relying on numerical measurements. In contrast, quantitative approaches employ
numerical data and measurements to objectively assess and quantify various parameters,
providing precise and measurable insights into the biomechanical aspects of human
movement.
