Introduction to Biomechanics

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Questions and Answers

What does kinetics study?

The measurement of body position

The geometric properties of motion

The techniques of gymnastics

The interaction between forces and body motion (correct)

Kinematics takes into account the forces that produce motion.

False

What is the primary goal of applying biomechanics in sports?

To analyze and improve performance by understanding forces and motion.

The new vault table is designed to be more ______ than the old vaulting horse.

safe Signup and view all the answers

Match the biomechanical terms with their definitions:

Kinetics = Study of forces and motion Kinematics = Geometry of motion without forces Applied biomechanics = Practical use of biomechanics knowledge Biomechanics = Mechanical laws applied to living structures Signup and view all the answers

Which formula represents the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration?

F = m.a Signup and view all the answers

According to the third law of motion, action forces and reaction forces act in the same direction.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is acceleration?

Acceleration is a measure of how much a body's velocity changes over time. Signup and view all the answers

Gravity causes a body to accelerate downwards at a rate of ______ m/s².

9.81 Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of velocity to its description:

Average velocity = Distance traveled over a specific period of time Instantaneous velocity = Speed at a specific moment in time Signup and view all the answers

If a body slows down, what must be applied?

Force Signup and view all the answers

When a body part is extended in one direction, the opposite body part must also move.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of ground reaction forces in biomechanics?

Ground reaction forces are generated when a body part makes contact with the floor or apparatus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines success in the vault in gymnastics?

Run-up speed Signup and view all the answers

Mass is the same everywhere in the universe regardless of location.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate value of gravitational acceleration on Earth?

9.81 m/s² Signup and view all the answers

Weight is a measure of ______.

force Signup and view all the answers

Match the following definitions with the correct terms:

Stability = Resistance to linear and angular motion Balance = Ability to maintain a stable position Center of Mass (COM) = Point about which a body is equally balanced Weight = Gravitational attraction between two masses Signup and view all the answers

Where is the center of mass (COM) located in the anatomical position for males?

57% of standing height Signup and view all the answers

The center of mass (COM) can be located outside the body.

True Signup and view all the answers

The greater the _______ of support, the greater the stability.

base Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the center of mass (COM) and stability?

The lower the COM, the greater the stability. Signup and view all the answers

A larger base of support decreases stability.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the timing of force application in gymnastics involve?

Sequential summation of forces from largest to smallest. Signup and view all the answers

The reaction to a direct action force is called a _____ reaction force.

direct ground Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Magnitude = Strength in all active muscles Direction = Opposite to application of force Duration = Range of motion/flexibility Timing = Coordination of force application Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT related to effective force application?

Color of the uniform Signup and view all the answers

Body tension and shape directly influence the rigidity of the body.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is total mechanical energy composed of?

Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy Signup and view all the answers

For optimal performance, the strength and power in all active muscles must be _____ for the desired outcome.

sufficient Signup and view all the answers

Which of these forces must be greater than the reaction force in effective gymnastics performance?

Action force Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does the new vault table provide for gymnasts?

Increased safety and comfort Signup and view all the answers

Qualitative biomechanical analysis is mainly used for scientific studies because it requires advanced technology.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the SI unit of force?

newton Signup and view all the answers

A force is any cause that changes or tends to change the ______ of an object.

velocity Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of forces to their descriptions:

Weight = Force of gravity acting on an object Friction = Opposes motion between surfaces in contact Ground reaction force = Force exerted by a surface in response to an applied load Torque = Rotational force applied around an axis Signup and view all the answers

The first law of motion suggests that an object at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by an internal force.

False Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the resultant force acting on an object?

It represents the combined effect of all forces acting simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is linear momentum defined as?

mass times velocity Signup and view all the answers

The resistance to changes in motion is referred to as ______.

inertia Signup and view all the answers

According to Newton's second law of motion, force is equal to which of the following?

Mass times acceleration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of kinetics in biomechanics?

The forces acting on a body and their effects on motion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the new vault table compared to the old vaulting horse?

It allows for faster pre-flight times and improved safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of knowledge in biomechanics?

Improving equipment design for sports Signup and view all the answers

In the context of biomechanics, what does kinematics specifically focus on?

The geometry and characteristics of motion Signup and view all the answers

How can the study of biomechanics contribute to error correction in sports?

By identifying force-related issues in technique Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of action-reaction imply during physical movement?

Movements in opposite body parts occur simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by negative acceleration?

A decrease in velocity. Signup and view all the answers

What must occur when there is a change in the direction of a moving body?

A force must be applied. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes instantaneous velocity?

The speed and direction at a specific moment. Signup and view all the answers

When applying Newton's second law (F=ma), what does 'a' represent?

The rate of change of velocity. Signup and view all the answers

If a gymnast is extending their legs forward, what must also happen?

The trunk must move forward. Signup and view all the answers

What force primarily accelerates a body downwards when in the air?

Gravity. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the relationship between running speed and jump quality?

There is a verified link between running speed and jump quality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of the new vault table concerning vertical forces?

Increased friction for better force application Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of qualitative biomechanical analysis is most relevant?

Focuses on identifying movement parameters Signup and view all the answers

What does the first law of motion state about a body at rest?

It will remain at rest until acted upon by a net external force Signup and view all the answers

How is linear momentum quantitatively defined?

Mass x Velocity Signup and view all the answers

What represents the overall effect of multiple forces acting simultaneously?

Resultant force Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the inertia of an object?

Mass of the object Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major external force acting on gymnasts?

Weight Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of frictional force in gymnastics?

It contributes to effective force application Signup and view all the answers

What does the second law of motion describe?

Force is proportional to acceleration Signup and view all the answers

Which type of biomechanical analysis is more suitable for empirical research?

Quantitative biomechanical analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary significance of having a high run-up speed in artistic gymnastics vault?

It is crucial for achieving the necessary momentum for a successful vault. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the center of mass (COM) in the anatomical position for females?

At 55% of the standing height Signup and view all the answers

How does lowering the center of mass (COM) affect stability?

It increases stability by lowering the risk of tipping. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding weight and mass?

Weight is dependent on both mass and gravitational acceleration. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does a larger base of support have on stability?

It enhances stability, allowing for better balance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'inertia' refer to in the context of mass?

The reluctance of an object to change its state of motion or rest. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a principle of stability?

The higher the center of mass, the greater the stability. Signup and view all the answers

What does the center of mass (COM) represent in a body?

The point about which a body is balanced in all directions Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the relationship between the center of mass (COM) and the base of support?

The nearer the COM is over the center of the base of support, the greater the stability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributes to effective force application?

Duration of force Signup and view all the answers

In gymnastics, what must be true about the action forces applied?

They should be stronger than reaction forces. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a force is applied off center to a rigid body?

It causes rotation instead of direct movement. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about total mechanical energy is correct?

It is the sum of potential and kinetic energy. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a higher center of mass (COM) have on stability?

It decreases stability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of a segmented body on mechanical stability?

Better vertical alignment of COMs of segments improves stability. Signup and view all the answers

How does timing play a role in effective force application?

It involves sequential summation from largest to smallest forces. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following poses a limitation when applying force to a rigid body?

Forces utilized to alter body shape are ineffective. Signup and view all the answers

What must occur to ensure a reaction force is effective in gymnastics?

It should overcome all external forces. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Biomechanics?

The application of mechanical laws to living structures.
The study of forces acting on or produced by the human body (external or internal forces).
Biomechanics is applicable to the technique realm.

Kinetics

The study of the relationship between the force system acting on a body and the changes it produces in a body motion.

Kinematics

A branch of mechanics which deals with the geometry of the motion of objects, including displacement, velocity and acceleration without taking into account the forces that produce the motion.

Biomechanics Applications

Understanding gymnastics skills.
Analyzing and teaching skills.
Identifying causes of errors.
Correcting errors.
Applying knowledge to changes in apparatus and rules.
Evaluating new innovations.

New Vault Table

Increased approach velocity.
Shorter pre-flight times.
Safer and more comfortable wrist position.
Advantage for applying vertical forces.
Increased friction (safety and force application).

Types of Biomechanical Analysis

Quantitative biomechanical analysis - used in scientific studies, requires more preparation time, technological resources for data collection, laborious statistical analysis.
Qualitative biomechanical analysis - useful for identifying movement parameters and deviations, describing positions and phases, actions, explaining causes, mechanisms, principles, predicting effects, techniques, methodologies, recommending physical or technical corrections,.

Forces

Force - considered as the pushing or pulling action that one object exerts on another.
Force - any cause that changes or tends to change the velocity or shape of an object.
Newton (N) - the international system of units (SI) unit of force.
F - symbol for force vector.
Internal forces - generated by muscles and transmitted by tendons, bones, ligaments, and cartilage.
External forces - weight, reaction forces, friction.
Resultant Force - if several forces act simultaneously, their combined effect can be represented by this single force.

External Forces

Force of gravity (weight) - the force of attraction between any two masses.
Centripetal force - a force that makes a body follow a curved path.
Ground reaction force - a force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it.
Frictional force - a force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact.
Impulse force - a force that acts over a short period of time.
Torque - a force that causes rotation.

Newton's Laws of Motion

First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia) - a body at rest will remain at rest, and a body in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
Second Law of Motion (Law of Acceleration) - the force action on an object is equal to the mass of the object times its acceleration (F=m.a).
Third Law of Motion (Law of Action) - for every action force there is a reaction force equal in magnitude, opposite in direction, and simultaneous.

The Principle of Action-Reaction in the Air

It's not possible to move body part A towards body part B without simultaneously moving body part B towards body part A.
This is the basis for generating 'indirect' ground reaction forces when in contact with the floor or apparatus.
When a body part is extended upward, the body must move downward and vice versa.
When a body part is extended sideways, the body must tilt in the opposite direction.
When the legs are extended forwards, the trunk must come forwards, and vice versa.
When the upper body is twisted to the right, the lower body must twist to the left, and vice versa.

Kinematics

Velocity - measure of how far the body has moved in a specific period of time (average velocity) or of how fast it is moving (instantaneous velocity).
Acceleration - a measure of how much a body's velocity changes overtime.
Deceleration - negative acceleration (decrease in velocity).

Static Positions

Mass - quantity of matter that an object contains.
Weight - the gravitational attraction between 2 objects.
Force of Gravity - the force of attraction between any two masses.
Center of Mass / Center of Gravity (COM) - the point about which a body is equally balanced in all directions.
Center of Mass (COM) - the point at which the body's total mass is considered to be concentrated.

Principles of Stability

Stability - resistance to linear and angular motion.
Balance - the ability to maintain a stable position.
The Lower the COM to the base of support, the greater the stability.
The larger the base of support, the greater the stability.
The nearer the COM is over the center of the base of support, the greater the stability.
In a segmented body, the better the vertical alignment of the COM’s of the individual segments, the greater the stability.

Applied Biomechanics

Direct Ground Reaction Force - the reaction to a 'direct action' force applied by the gymnast.
Indirect Ground Reaction Force - the reaction to a 'reaction action' applied by the gymnast.
Jumping - downwards pushing the legs results (F ACTION) in an upwards direct (GROUND) reaction force (F REACTION).
Swinging arms up (DIRECT ACTION) - body wants to go down (DIRECT REACTION) and increases reaction force upward (INDIRECT REACTION FORCE).

Mechanics of Spring

An action force must be applied that generates a reaction force large enough to overcome the force of gravity.
Can be from internal forces (muscular contractions).
Can be from external forces (mini tramp, bar, springboard, etc.).

Magnitude - strength in all active muscles.
Point of Application - (off center = rotation).
Direction - always opposite to application.
Duration - range of motion/flexibility.
Timing - coordination.
Rigidity of the body - body tension and shape.

Magnitude of Force

Must be sufficient for the desired outcome (optimal vs maximal).
Strength and power in all active muscles.

Direction of Force

Must be in the desired direction.
Remember "action force > reaction force".

Duration of Force

Must be over the longest time and distance possible.
Range of motion/flexibility in all active joints.

Time of Force

Sequential summation of forces.
Largest to smallest.
Proximal to distal.
Coordination.

Force Applied to Rigid Body

Otherwise forces will be used or "wasted" to change the shape of the body.
Body tension and shape.

Take-Off Force

At the instant of take-off, these are determined:
Angle (º) of take-off and landing (COM).
Vertical velocity up (Vz) (reduced to zero by gravity).
Vertical velocity (Vz) on landing = Initial vertical velocity (V0z).
Horizontal velocity (Vx).
Height (= Time).
Distance.
Direction.

Time in the Air (= Height)

Rotational Momentum

Body shape (= potential to change speed of rotation).

Total Mechanical Energy

Total Mechanical Energy (= Potential Energy + Kinetic Energy).

Biomechanics in Gymnastics

Biomechanics applies mechanical principles to understand the forces acting on the human body, particularly during gymnastics.
Kinetic study focuses on force and its effect on motion.
Kinematics focuses on the geometry of motion without considering the forces involved.

Applications of Biomechanics in Gymnastics

Applying biomechanics helps understand, analyze, and teach gymnastics skills.
It helps identify causes of errors, suggest corrective actions, and evaluate new innovations.
The new vaulting table is an example of biomechanical innovation aimed at improving safety and enhancing performance.

Types of Biomechanical Analysis

Qualitative analysis involves observing and describing movement characteristics.
Quantitative analysis uses measurements and data to quantify and analyze movement.

Forces in Gymnastics

Gymnasts experience both internal and external forces.
External forces include gravity, reaction forces, and friction.
Resultant force represents the combined effect of multiple forces acting on the body.

Newton's Laws of Motion

The first law describes inertia - a body's tendency to resist changes in its state of motion (rest or uniform motion).
The second law states that force is directly proportional to mass and acceleration (F=ma).
The third law states for every action force, there is an equal and opposite reaction force.

Principle of Action-Reaction

Explains how forces are generated in the air using body parts.
Moving a body part in one direction automatically causes an opposite movement in another part.

Kinematics Concepts

Velocity measures how fast an object moves (m/s).
Acceleration measures how much velocity changes over time (m/s2).
Gravity (9.81 m/s2) causes downward acceleration.

Static Positions in Gymnastics

Mass is the quantity of matter in an object and remains constant.
Weight is the gravitational force on an object and varies depending on location.
Center of Mass (COM) is the point where the body's total mass is concentrated.
It's crucial to understand COM for stable positions and movements.

Principles of Stability and Balance

Stability is the resistance to linear and angular motion.
Balance is the ability to maintain a stable position.
Stability is influenced by COM position, base of support size, and vertical alignment of body segments.

Applied Biomechanics: Indirect Ground Reaction Forces

Indirect ground reaction forces are generated in response to a reaction force that's initiated by the gymnast.
Examples include jumping, swinging arms up, and extending legs forward.

Biomechanics of Springing and Force Application

Effective force application is critical for achieving desired movements.
Key factors include magnitude, point of application, direction, duration, timing, and rigidity of the body.

Factors in Force Application

Magnitude: Sufficient force based on strength and power of muscles.
Direction: Must be consistent with the desired movement.
Duration: Applying force over the longest time and distance possible.
Timing: Coordination and sequential summation of forces.
Rigidity: Body tension and maintaining a rigid structure.

Biomechanical Analysis of Take-Off

Analyzing take-off involves measuring factors like take-off angle, vertical velocity, horizontal velocity, height, distance, and direction.

Rotational Momentum and Total Mechanical Energy

Body shape influences rotational momentum.
Total mechanical energy is the sum of potential and kinetic energy.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of biomechanics, including the principles of kinetics and kinematics. This quiz covers the application of mechanical laws to living structures and real-life applications within sports and exercises. Test your understanding of how forces influence human movement and analyze various techniques in gymnastics.