CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO BIOMECHANICS
Zainie Binti Aboo Bakkar
Hall, S. J. (2011) Basic Biomechanics, 6th
Edition. McGraw Hill
What is biomechanics?
bio mechanics
Application of mechanical principles in
the study of living organisms
BIOMECHANICS
BIO = LIVING
MECHANICS = FORCES & EFFECTS
• Forces – internal or external
• Involves the principles of anatomy and physics in
the descriptions and analysis of movement.
• The study of biological structures, processes and
functions by applying the methods and principles of
mechanics
Sub-branches of biomechanics:
• statics: study of systems in constant
motion – at rest or no motion,
moving in constant velocity
•dynamics: study of systems subject to
acceleration
Sub-branches of biomechanics:
• kinematics: study of the appearance
or description of motion
• Study of size, sequencing, timing of
movement
• kinetics: study of the actions of forces
?? Is the amount of force the muscles
producing is optimal for the intended
purpose of movement
What is kinesiology?
the study of human movement
Kinesiology
Adapted physical
Biomechanics education
Exercise
physiology Motor behavior Athletic training
Sport history Pedagogy
Sport philosophy Sport art Sport psychology
Biomechanics:
Does it exist in more than one field?
• Exercise and sport biomechanics
• Orthopedic biomechanics
• Occupational biomechanics
• Biomechanics of other biological
systems
Example:
l Exercise and sport biomechanics
•improving athletic performance,
reduction of athletic injuries
Example:
l Orthopedic biomechanics
•artificial limbs, joints, and orthoses
to improve functional movement
capacity
•study of natural and artificial
biological tissues
Example:
l Occupational Biomechanics
•Ergonomics and Human Factors
•Reduction of workplace injuries
Give example of problem related to
occupational biomechanics
Problem-solving approach
◼ Providing a solution for problem or answering
a question
❑ Why is swimming not the best exercise for
individuals with osteoporosis?
❑ What is the safest way to lift a heavy object?
❑ At what angle should a ball be thrown for
maximum distance?
❑ Why are some individuals unable to float?
Qualitative vs. Quantitative:
Analysis of human movement can be:
•Qualitative: pertaining to quality
(without the use of numbers)
• Quantitative: involving numbers
Give example of qualitative or quantitative statement
related to occupational biomechanics???
Solving Formal Quantitative
Problems – 11 sequential steps:
Qualitative Analysis:
Prerequisite Knowledge
• What is the purpose of the skill?
• What are the causes of performance
errors?
• How can knowledge be gained?
• experience in performing the skill
• reading available literature
• attending conferences and workshops
Qualitative Analysis:
Planning
• What is the question to be answered?
• From what perspective(s) (angle and
viewing distance) should the
movement be viewed?
• How many observations should be
taken?
Qualitative Analysis:
Planning
• What plans should be made for:
• performer attire
• lighting conditions
• background
• use of video
Qualitative Analysis:
Conducting the Analysis
Identify Viewing Angle
Question/Problem
Viewing Distance
Performer Attire
Environmental
Refine Question Make Decisions
Modifications
End Analysis Use of Video
Communicate Collect Visual
with Performer Observations
Auditory
From Performer
Interpret Observations From Other Analysts
Exercise questions:
1. Write a one-page summary of article file
name: tutorial article and identify whether
the investigation involved statics or
dynamics and kinetics or kinematics.
2. From the 9 household tasks, write a
discussion about the ways in which each
involves quantitative and qualitative works.
3. Solve the questions below:
