CH 1 - Chapter1 BasicTerminology Learning objectives After...

Chapter 1
Basic Terminology
Learning objectives
After reading this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Define mechanics, biomechanics, and kinesiology and differentiate among their uses in
the analysis of human movement.
2. Define and provide examples of linear and angular motion.
3. Define kinematics and kinetics.
4. Explain the difference between relative and absolute reference systems.
5. Define sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes along with corresponding anteroposterior,
mediolateral, and longitudinal axes. Provide examples of human movements that occur in
each plane.
6. Explain degree of freedom and provide examples of degrees of freedom associated with
numerous joints in the body.
7. Describe the location of segments or landmarks using correct anatomical terms, such as
medial, lateral, proximal, and distal.
8. Identify segments by their correct name, define all segmental movement descriptors, and
provide specific examples in the body.

Qualitative
•
Nonnumerical
•
Based on direct observation
•
Equipment not necessary
•
Focus on time and space
•
Examples:
–
Rotation of femur during
golf swing
–
Adduction of humerus
during freestyle swim
Quantitative
•
Numerical
•
Based on data collected
•
Equipment necessary
•
Focus on forces
•
Examples:
–
Stress on shoulder during
baseball pitch
–
Compression force on
femur during landing

Core Areas of Study
•
Biomechanics vs. Kinesiology
–
Biomechanics was defined by the American Society of Biomechanics (1)
as “the application of the laws of mechanics to animate motion.” Another
definition proposed by the European Society of Biomechanics (2) is “the
study of forces acting on and generated within a body and the effects of
these forces on the tissues, fluid, or materials used for the diagnosis,
treatment, or research purposes.”
–
kinesiology as the scientific study of human movement can be an umbrella
term used to describe any form of anatomical, physiological, psychological,
or mechanical human movement evaluation.

Biomechanics vs. Kinesiology
•
Kinesiology:
–
Scientific study of human movement
–
Anatomical, physiological, psychological, biomechanical
•
Biomechanics:
–
Application of mechanics to biological systems
–
More specific than kinesiology
Core Areas of Study

•
Biomechanics vs. Kinesiology
•
Anatomy vs. Functional Anatomy
–
Anatomy, the science of the structure of the body, is the base of
the pyramid from which expertise about human movement is
developed.
–
Functional anatomy is the study of the body components needed
to achieve or perform a human movement or function.