Biomechanics and Human Movement

Definition of Biomechanics

Biomechanics is the examination/analysis of human movement from a mechanical viewpoint.

It includes forces and the action and reaction of forces, and how muscles, bones, and joints

relate to each other for the production of bodily movement.

Why It's Important:

- Enhanced understanding of bodily dynamics: Evaluations of how the body works with optimal

effectiveness.

- Injury forecasting: Determines when specific body movements are unsafe and provides alternative

options.

- Injury assessment and avoidance: Develops fitness regimens for recovery and movement

correction.

- Careers: Sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthotics, and prosthetics.

Example: Gait analysis evaluates walking patterns to identify undesirable patterns.

How Physics Is Involved in Biomechanics

Physics in Biomechanics:

- Forces acting on the body, body-produced motion, and energy used for motion.

Significant Benefits:

1. Enhanced Performance: Efficient athletic movement by understanding force and energy transfer.

2. Assessment of Ineffective Movement: Identifies abnormalities like limping gait or excessive

muscle use.

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Example: Studies of the foot help develop rehabilitation techniques for better recovery.

How Movement Happens

Muscles exert forces on bones around joints, leading to movement. Joint types include:

- Hinge joint (knee) for flexion/extension.

- Ball-and-socket joint (hip) for a wide range of motion.

Types of Joint Movements:

1. Flexion: Decreases angle between bones (e.g., bending the elbow).

2. Extension: Increases angle (e.g., straightening the knee).

3. Rotation: Circular movement around an axis (e.g., turning the head).

4. Abduction: Limb moves away from the body (e.g., raising an arm sideways).

5. Adduction: Limb moves toward the body (e.g., lowering the arm).

Practical Application: Formulating physiotherapy exercises to improve movement efficiency.

Forces in Biomechanics

Types of Forces:

1. Internal Forces: Generated by muscle contractions to enable movement and stability.

2. External Forces: Gravity, friction, or resistance affecting joint movement.

Example:

- Walking involves internal muscle forces opposing gravity to move forward.

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- Ground reactive force is an external force loading the lower body joints.

Importance: Understanding these forces helps prevent injuries and design proper rehabilitation

programs.

Movement and Muscular Force Development

Muscles move joints by pulling bones during contractions. Force generation depends on:

1. Muscle Mass: Larger mass produces stronger contractions.

2. Angle of Bone Contraction: Optimal angles generate more efficient force.

3. Nature of Movement:

- Isometric: Force without muscle length change.

- Concentric: Muscle shortens during contraction (e.g., lifting weights).

- Eccentric: Muscle lengthens under tension (e.g., lowering weights).

Example: Arm muscles use concentric contraction to lift weights.

What is Torque?

Torque: Twisting motion caused by a force around an axis.

Factors Influencing Torque:

1. Force Magnitude: More force increases torque.

2. Lever Arm Length: Greater distance from axis increases torque.

3. Angle of Application: Force at 90° to lever arm is most effective.

Example: Longer lever arm near the elbow joint requires more torque to bend the arm.

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Newton's First Law in Biomechanics

Newton's First Law:

- A body remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force.

Applications:

1. Postural Stability: Maintains equilibrium until acted upon by gravity or external force.

2. Balance Training: Activities like standing on one leg enhance balance and stability.

Example: Balance training improves muscle control and prevents falls.

Force = Mass × Acceleration

Force = Mass × Acceleration explains how exerted force depends on an object's mass and

acceleration.

Applications in Biomechanics:

1. Measuring Force: Rehabilitation activities estimate joint force based on weight and target speed.

2. Running: Faster acceleration requires greater force from leg muscles.

Example: Higher running speed demands increased force generation.

Action-Reaction Principle

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

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Applications:

- Interaction between the body and ground during movement.

- Forces generated by the body are counterbalanced by ground reaction forces.

Example: Walking or jumping involves the ground pushing back with equal force to propel the body

forward or upward.

Physics in Rehabilitation

Physics principles optimize rehabilitation exercises by controlling force and movement patterns.

Example: Resistance Bands:

- Stretching the band applies controlled force to target muscles.

- Prevents overloading joints and strengthens muscles safely.

Gait Analysis

Gait analysis studies the mechanics of walking, focusing on forces, motion, and energy.

Significance:

1. Identifying Abnormalities: Detects limps, asymmetry, or misalignment causing injury.

2. Designing Interventions: Tailored rehabilitation programs or orthotics improve movement.

Example: Adjusting stride length or joint angles relieves stress and prevents injuries.

Center of Gravity and Base of Support

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Center of Gravity (COG): Point where body mass is evenly distributed.

Base of Support (BOS): Area beneath contact points providing stability.

Applications:

1. Balance Boards: Enhance coordination and strengthen muscles.

2. Exercise Practice: Activities like standing on one leg improve balance and posture.

Measurement Tools in Biomechanics

1. Force Plates: Measure ground reaction forces to analyze balance, gait, and posture.

2. Motion Capture: Records 3D joint movements for advanced analysis.

3. Electromyography (EMG): Evaluates muscle activation, fatigue, and coordination.

ACL Injury Case Study

Focus of Rehabilitation:

1. Understanding Knee Forces: Analyze internal (muscle contractions) and external forces.

2. Exercise Design:

- Prehabilitation: Strengthens muscles to stabilize the knee.

- Balance Training: Restores coordination.

- Graduated Loading: Progressive exercises tailored to fitness levels.

Significance: Safe loading prevents further injury and aids recovery.

Challenges in Biomechanics

1. Human Variability: Unique body structures and movement patterns make standardized

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rehabilitation difficult.

2. Multijoint Motion: Forces transmitted through multiple joints complicate analysis.

3. Clinical Application: Translating biomechanical theories into effective interventions requires

precise diagnostics and customization.

Conclusion

Physics principles are foundational in understanding and improving human movement.

Biomechanics bridges physics and physiotherapy, optimizing performance, preventing injuries, and

enhancing functionality.

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