Introduction to Kinesiology

Agenda
 What is kinesiology?
 Why study kinesiology?
 How do we study kinesiology?
 Review Topics
What is Kinesiology?
 Definition: The study of human
movement via the physical sciences.
 Physics  Biomechanics
 Anatomy  Musculoskeletal anatomy
 Structure
 Physiology  Neuromuscular
physiology
 Function
 KINESIOLOGY BIOMECHANICS

FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY KINEMATICS KINETICS

Spine Linear Angular Linear Angular

Pelvic Girdle
Vectors Vectors GR Forces Torque
Shoulder Girdle Scalars Angles Friction C of G
Position Position Fluid Levers
Displacement Displacement Elasticity Acceleration
Velocity Velocity Newton’s Newton’s
Laws Laws
Acceleration Acceleration
Work Work
Projectiles
Power Power
Centripedal F Stability
Muscular System Impulse Impulse
Nervous System Momentum Momentum
Kinesiology & Body Mechanics

• Kinesiology - study of motion or human

movement
• Anatomic kinesiology - study of human
musculoskeletal system & musculotendinous
system
• Biomechanics - application of mechanical
physics to human motion
Kinesiology & Body Mechanics
• Structural kinesiology - study of muscles
as
they are involved in science of movement
• Both skeletal & muscular structures are
involved
• Bones are different sizes & shapes −
particularly at the joints, which allow or
limit
Movement
Kinesiology & Body Mechanics
• Muscles vary greatly in size, shape, &
structure from one part of body to another
• More than 600 muscles are found in
human
body
Agenda
 What is kinesiology?
 Why study kinesiology?
 How do we study kinesiology?
 Review Topics
Why Study Kinesiology?
 To improve performance.
 There are many applications of
“improving performance.” Examples?
 Athletic performance, dance/pedagogy,
physical therapy, occupational therapy,
gait analysis, human factors,
ergonomics. . .
Why Study Kinesiology?
 What does an improvement in
performance mean? An optimization of:
 Safety
 Effectiveness
 Efficiency
 These are the BIG 3 underlying
objectives!
 Who needs Kinesiology?
 • Anatomists, coaches, strength and
 conditioning specialists, personal
 trainers, nurses, physical educators,
 physical therapists, physicians, athletic
 trainers, massage therapists & others in
 health-related fields
Agenda
 What is kinesiology?
 Why study kinesiology?
 How do we study kinesiology?
 Review topics
How Do We Study Kinesiology?
 What tools are used to study movement?
 Video
 Kinematics: Study of motion in respect to time
 Force transducers
 Kinetics: Study of forces that act to cause motion
 EMG
 Computer modeling
How Do We Study Kinesiology?
 Quantitative Methods
 Uses numbers to describe movement
 Qualitative Methods
 Describes the quality of movement without
numbers
 General or specific
 Either are appropriate when performing
a KINESIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Kinesiological Analysis
 Purpose: To describe, evaluate
(anatomical and mechanical) and
prescribe corrections
Step 1: Describe
 Identify the purpose of the movement
 Identify the phases of the movement
 Identify the simultaneous-sequential
nature of the movement
 Others?

Identify the Purpose Force and distance?

Speed? Form?

Combination? Accuracy?
Speed and
accuracy?
 Prep phase

Identify the Phases

Wind-up phase

Force phase

Discrete vs. Continuous Follow through

phase

Identification of start and end points is critical

Schaffer, Jobe, Pink & Perry, 1993
Identify the Simultaneous-
Sequential Nature
 The interaction of the segments
involved in any movement can be
placed on a continuum
Segments move together Segments move in an orderly sequence

Direction: Straight line (linear) Direction: Along a curved path (angular)

Purpose: Force, accuracy Purpose: Velocity

Anywhere in between (push press)

Step 2: Analyze/Evaluate
 Anatomical analysis
 Mechanical analysis
Anatomical Analysis
 Paradigm
 Process vs. Product
 Performance vs. Outcome
 The anatomical analysis should answer
several questions about the involved
joints, muscles and reflexes
 Each phase must be considered
Anatomical Analysis: Joints
 What joints are involved?
 What segments are being moved?
 What are the beginning positions of the
segments being moved?
 What are the actions of each joint?
Anatomical Analysis: Muscles
 What muscles are responsible for each
of the identified joint actions?
 Are the muscles activated
concentrically, eccentrically or
isometrically?
 What type of force is responsible for the
movement (external/internal)?
Anatomical Analysis: Reflexes
 What neuromuscular reflexes are
present in the movement?
Mechanical Analysis:
 Paradigm
 Movement of the human body is governed
by mechanical laws and principles
 Before identifying the mechanical
factors that affect the movement, the
underlying objectives of the movement
should be defined
Mechanical Analysis:
Objectives of Movement
 Balance
 Regain stability or attain mobility
 Locomotion
 Prescribed distance, pattern
 Projection
 For maximum height, distance, accuracy
 Manipulation
 Objects, reproduced pattern, resistance
 Maximum Effort
 Force, velocity, power
Step 3: Prescription
 Identify portions of the movement that
do not meet the anatomical/mechanical
ideal
 Decide upon an appropriate strategy
Agenda
 What is kinesiology?
 Why study kinesiology?
 How do we study kinesiology?
 Review topics
Review Topics
 Articulations (pp. 25-30)
 Orientation Planes and Axes of Motion
(pp. 36-38)
 Fundamental Movements (pp.38-41)
 Location and action of major muscle
groups