Biomechanics Biomechanics

Forces

Today's session will coverToday's session will cover

Definition of BiomechanicsEmployment opportunitiesForceCenter of gravityBase of support

IntroductionIntroduction

What is Biomechanics?Why do certain people perform better than

others?Breakdown of biomechanics

Bio-

Mechanics-

EmploymentEmployment What people can assist athletes through

knowledge of Biomechanics ? Coaching Podiatrists Physiotherapists Teachers Dance Instructors Fitness Trainers Graphic designers

ForceForce

A force is a PUSH or a PULLGravity is a force which acts on all things

downwards towards earth. The effect gravity has on an object is proportional to its mass. E.g. the heavier an object is the greater the attraction between it and earth.

Why do we weigh less on the moon?

ForceForce When a force acts on a body it can produce 3

types of movement. Deformation

• Translation

Rotation

TranslationTranslation

Something which moves from A > B

For Example; a golf shot. It starts on the tee and finishes on the fairway.

RotationRotation

If a force applied is not through the CoG (centre of gravity) the object will rotate.

For Example; putting spin on a volleyball serve

DeformationDeformation

The object loses shape on impact.

For Example; a squash ball being hit.

GravityGravity

The main force acting on all parts of the body is

As a consequence, it must be centred some where in the body. This is known as the Centre of Gravity

Centre of GravityCentre of Gravity

The part in the body in which all parts of the body are in balance or the point at which gravity is centered.

When we stand in the anatomical position, our COG is located around the hip region.

In men, the COG is approximately 57% of standing height, in women 55%. Why is COG lower in women than men?

More mass is concentrated around the hips and below in women.

When we produce rotation as a consequence of a force being applied, the body rotates about the COG

These are known as the Axes of Rotation

Center of gravityCenter of gravityMark the center of gravity

Keeping the boomerang in mind, why is the Frosby flop more effective than the scissors in high jump?

Base of supportBase of support

The area of the body in contact with the ground, that stabilizes the body.