Kinesiology

Biomechanics Primer: The Newtonian Laws

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Law of Inertia
Newton’s 1st Law states that an object continues in a state of rest or of uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force. Inertia is Latin for idleness or laziness. The Law of Inertia can be interpreted as everything in the universe is lazy, thus requiring a force to get it on the move (which then occurs in a straight line). Once moving, more force is needed to slow it, stop it, or to speed it up or to change direction. (more…)

Analysis of Human Movement with Biomechanics

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In general, there are two approaches used to study mechanical aspects of human movement. There is the quantitative approach that involves the use of numbers. This approach helps to eliminate subjective description and relies on data from the use of different instruments. It is a more scientific, publishable, and predictable analysis than the qualitative approach that implies that the movement is described without the use of numbers. (more…)

What Is Biomechanics?

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Biomechanics is the study of the structure and function of biological systems by means of the methods of “mechanics.” – which is the branch of physics involving analysis of the actions of forces. Within “mechanics” there are two sub-fields of study: (more…)