PEP294: Lecture Notes

I. Introduction

1. Kinesiology vs. Biomechanics

Kinesiology:  the study of human movement from the point of view of physical sciences

- main areas: anatomical kinesiology & mechanical kinesiology

 

Biomechanics:  application of the mechanical principles in the study of living organism

- main interests: mechanical analysis of the biological systems such as the human

 

Kinesiology = Biomechanics

- as long as the main area of application is the human

 

2. Biomechanics 

Statics vs. Dynamics

- statics: branch of mechanics dealing with systems in the constant state of motion

- dynamics: branch of mechanics dealing with systems subject to acceleration

 
Kinematics vs. Kinetics

- kinematics: study of description of motion (description)

- kinetics: study of action of forces (explanation of motion)

 

3. Main Themes in Biomechanics

Safety:  protection of injury

 

Effectiveness:  maximization of the output

 

Efficiency:  economy of energy expenditure