Basic Kinematics

Course Content
I. Introduction to the Course
II. Biomechanical Concepts Related to
Human Movement
III. Anatomical Concepts Related to Human
Movement
IV. Applications in Human Movement
Course Content
I. Introduction to the Course
II. Biomechanical Concepts Related to
Human Movement
III. Anatomical Concepts Related to Human
Movement
IV. Applications in Human Movement
Biomechanical Concepts
A. Basic Kinematic Concepts
B. Vector Algebra
C. Basic Kinetic Concepts
Biomechanical Concepts
A. Basic Kinematic Concepts
B. Vector Algebra
C. Basic Kinetic Concepts
Basic Kinematic Concepts
1. Variables for Describing Motion
2. Reference Systems for Describing Motion
of the Human Body and Its Segments
3. Guidelines for Describing Motion of the
Human Body and Its Segments
Rigid Body Mechanics

Rigid Body
Mechanics

Statics Dynamics

Constant Velocity Motionless Kinematics Kinetics

Kinematics Kinetics
What is kinematics?
 Spatial and temporal characteristics
 Qualitative or quantitative
 Linear & angular motion
Why use kinematics?
 Practical: Provides a standard for us in performing,
teaching, or evaluating a skill
 Research: Once we describe, we can ask why?

Problem with kinematics?

 Practical: Proper kinematics does not always mean
proper force application
Basic Kinematic Concepts
1. Variables for Describing Motion
2. Reference Systems for Describing Motion
of the Human Body & Its Segments
3. Guidelines for Describing Motion of the
Human Body & Its Segments
Kinematic Variables
 Time
 Position
 Displacement & distance
 Velocity & speed
 Acceleration
Time – Temporal Analysis
WHEN?  Most basic analysis
HOW OFTEN?  Examples:
 Cadence
IN WHAT ORDER?  Stride time
HOW LONG?  Temporal patterning
Temporal Patterning
Temporal Patterning
Stance Swing
Absolute vs. Relative Timing
Position

WHERE?

 position - location in space relative to some

reference point
 Linear position (s)
 x,y,z coordinates
 Angular position ()
 Units
Displacement & Distance

HOW FAR?
 Displacement (s, )
 Final change in position
 Vector quantity
 Distance (p, )
 Sum of all changes in
position
 Scalar quantity

 Units (m, °)
Velocity & Acceleration
HOW QUICKLY IS
HOW FAST? VELOCITY
CHANGING?
 Velocity (v, )  Acceleration (a, )
 Vector quantity  Vector quantity
 position  time  velocity  time
 Units (m.s-1, °.s-1)  Units (m.s-2, °.s-2)
 Insight into
forces/torques
Basic Kinematic Concepts
1. Types of Motion
2. Variables for Describing Motion
3. Reference Systems for Describing Motion
of the Human Body & Its Segments
4. Guidelines for Describing Motion of the
Human Body & Its Segments
Reference Systems: Linear
+y vertical

horizontal
-x +x

Must define origin of

horizontal reference system to
+z quantify kinematics.

-y
 Absolute Reference Systems:
Angular
/2 rad
90° ¼ rev

CCW +

180° 0°
 rad 2 rad
½ rev 1 rev

270°
3/2 rad
¾ rev
Relative Reference Systems:
Angular
 Relative Reference Systems

All Joints @ 0except

•Ankle @ 90
•Forearm varies

Fundamental Anatomical
Standing Standing
Position Position
Reference Systems for Measuring
Joint Position & Displacement

90
140
140

0
 0

0 40 90
90
Basic Kinematic Concepts
1. Types of Motion
2. Variables for Describing Motion
3. Reference Systems for Describing Motion
of the Human Body & Its Segments
4. Guidelines for Describing Motion of the
Human Body & Its Segments
1. Distinguish between motion
& position of joints &
segments.

A B
2. Recognize that either
segment can rotate about a
joint.
3. Recognize that bones move
linearly as well as angularly.
4. Understand that movement
generally occurs in oblique planes
around oblique axes.
5. When observing motion,
look at the plane, down the
axis.
Summary
1. Identify the system of interest
2. Identify the type(s) of motion of interest
3. Identify the reference system for the motion
4. Describe precisely the temporal & spatial
characteristics of that motion using appropriate
terminology for the situation
 Time
 Position
 Displacement (ROM)
 Velocity
 Acceleration
For the next lecture day:
 Lecture Topic #2
 Subtopic C – Vector Algebra