Biomechanics Terms & Definitions

Questions and Answers

What is acceleration?

The change in velocity (speed and/or direction) per unit of time.

What does biomechanics study?

The area of study wherein knowledge and methods of mechanics are applied to the structure and function of the living human system.

What is the center of gravity?

That point at which all the body's mass seems to be concentrated; the center of mass.

What is density?

The mass per unit volume of an object or body. Signup and view all the answers

What is force?

That which causes or tends to cause a change in a body's motion or shape. Signup and view all the answers

What is inertia?

The resistance of a body to a change in its state of motion. Signup and view all the answers

What is kinesiology?

The study of human movement from an anatomical and/or mechanical perspective. Signup and view all the answers

What is kinetic friction?

The friction that exists between two surfaces gliding past each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is kinetics?

An area of study that is concerned with the forces that act on a system. Signup and view all the answers

What is mass?

The measure of a body's inertia; the amount of matter in a body. Signup and view all the answers

What is mobility?

The ease with which an articulation or a series of articulations is allowed to move before being restricted by the surrounding structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is power in biomechanics?

The product of an applied force and the speed with which it is applied; the quantity of work done per unit of time. Signup and view all the answers

What is speed?

The magnitude of a body's displacement per unit of time without regard to direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is strength?

The ability of a muscle or group of muscles to exert force against a resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What is synergy in biomechanics?

The cooperative effort of two or more muscles contracting to accomplish a single movement. Signup and view all the answers

What is velocity?

The speed and direction of a body. Signup and view all the answers

What is volume?

The three-dimensional space occupied by a body. Signup and view all the answers

What is weight?

The force of earth's gravitational attraction on a body's mass. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fundamental Biomechanical Concepts

Acceleration: Measures the change in velocity (both speed and direction) per unit of time.
Biomechanics: Combines mechanics with the study of living systems to analyze human movement and function.
Center of Gravity: The point where a body's mass is concentrated, influencing balance and stability.
Density: Refers to the mass of an object divided by its volume, important in assessing body composition.
Force: A push or pull that can alter the motion or shape of an object; a fundamental concept in mechanics.

Key Principles of Motion and Resistance

Inertia: The tendency of a body to resist changes in its motion, linked to its mass.
Kinetics: Focuses on the forces acting on systems, critical for understanding movement dynamics.
Kinesiology: Examines human movement through anatomical and mechanical lenses, aiding in rehabilitation and performance enhancement.

Factors Influencing Movement

Kinetic Friction: The resistance encountered when two surfaces slide against each other, crucial for locomotion.
Mobility: Describes the ease of movement at joints, which can affect overall functionality.
Power: The rate of doing work or overcoming resistance, a product of force and speed.

Measurement and Characteristics

Mass: Assesses a body’s resistance to motion; higher mass equates to greater inertia.
Speed: The rate at which an object moves over time, independent of direction.
Strength: The capability of muscles to produce force against resistance, essential for various physical activities.

Interaction of Forces and Motion

Synergy: Describes the coordinated action of multiple muscles to achieve specific movements, emphasizing teamwork in physical actions.
Velocity: Combines speed with direction, providing a vector measure of motion.
Volume: Refers to the three-dimensional space that a body occupies, relevant in fields like anatomy and physical therapy.

Gravitational Forces

Weight: Represents the force exerted by gravity on a mass, impacting balance and stability in physical activities.

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