SWAHA HINDU COLLEGE CAPE PHYSICAL EDUCATION & SPORT

REVIEW NOTES
UNIT II MODULE I: BIOMECHANICS
OBJECTIVE 1 (a)-(c)

 BIOMECHANICS: The field of sport science that applies the laws of mechanics and physics to
human performance to gain a greater understanding of performance in physical activity. It is the
study of forces and the effects of those forces on and within the human body.

o CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS: The science of analyzing mechanics of injured patients,

and develop treatment protocols and methods to aid in increasing the quality of life of
individuals suffering from a health condition, disease or illness inhibiting the ability to
move and function properly.
o OCCUPATIONAL BIOMECHANICS: Occupational Biomechanics studies the
mechanical laws in relation to the structure and movement of living organisms as applied
in the workplace. It combines the fields of engineering mechanics, biology, physiology,
and ergonomics.
o SPORTS BIOMECHANICS: It can simply be described as the physics of sports. In this
subfield of biomechanics the laws of mechanics are applied in order to gain a greater
understanding of athletic performance through mathematical modeling, computer
simulation and measurement.
SUB-BRANCHES OF BIOMECHANICS

 STATICS: The study of systems in constant motion, including zero motion

 DYNAMICS: The study of systems subject to acceleration
 KINEMATICS: The study of appearance or DESCRIPTION of motion (EG: Displacement, time,
angular motion, velocity, equilibrium, etc)
 KINETICS: The study/analysis of the actions of forces (eg: work, power, kinetic & potential
energy etc).
ROLE OF BIOMECHANICS

 THE TEACHING ROLE: As teachers, sport biomechanists are primarily involved in informing
the widest possible audience of the ways and methods in which biomechanics can be used to
enhance performance, prevent injury, help in sport and exercise development, etc. Sports
biomechanists often have teaching/lecturing positions at universities or institutes of higher
education, predominantly teaching biomechanics or kinesiology. They also assist or head
postgraduate and doctoral programmes.

 THE RESEARCHING ROLE: Biomechanists must conduct research, to investigate issues and
problems arising within sport and exercise science. Biomechanists that are based in universities
mainly are intent on advancing the knowledge of the field. Most findings from research is shared
in symposia, seminars, journals, lectures and annual conferences among others.

 THE CONSULTING ROLE: Many athletes work with teams or individual athletes, providing
biomechanical support to ultimately improve physical performance. In this role, biomechanists
use scientific knowledge for the benefit of the client.