Introduction to Biomechanics

of Sport & Exercise

Aims of Lectures

 To provide an understanding of what

Biomechanics of Sport & Exercise actually is.
 To provide an understanding of why knowledge of
Biomechanics of Sport & Exercise is important to
sports and exercise scientists.
 Forces in Sports & Exercise

1 •Running –linear motion

1 •Swinging golf club –rotational motion

1 •Cycling –linear and rotational motion

1 •Ball movement through air –drag forces in fluid

 What is purpose of understanding
such forces?

 Performance improvement -improvements in

techniques and equipment
 Prevention of injuries and rehabilitation from injury
 Technique
Improvement

 Critically observe, analyse and correct errors in

performance
 Prevent use of vague and unhelpful coaching
comments: Throw harder! Try to be more
dynamic!•Provide sensible, informed advice for
improvement
 Equipment
Improvement

Equipment can effect performance

directly or through prevention of injury
•Football boots
•Tennis rackets
•Golf clubs and balls
•Bicycles
•Running shoes
 Modifications to
Javelin

 Pre 1953 world record –78.7 m

 In 1953 Frank & Dick Held designed new, more
aerodynamic javelin
 Increased surface area gave more lift•Post 1953
world record –104.8 m
 1986 –IAAF changed rules for javelin construction
–prevented javelin from sailing•1990 world record
–91.4 m(rare example of mechanics being applied
to limit performance)
 Training
Improvement

1 •Analyses of technique deficiencies can

identify the type of training required for
improvement
 Figure Skating

 Mid 1980s –biomechanical analyses of US junior female

skaters –double and triple spin jumps
 Many skaters failed in triples
 Not bringing arms in tight enough to make them spin fast
enough in air
 Some skaters unable to bring in arms tight enough or
quickly enough –inadequate strength in arms and shoulder
muscles
 Training programme modified to improve upper body
strength
 Cross Country Skiing

 Analysis of international competition involved

timing skiers over different parts of course
 US skiers were as good as the best skiers on flat
and downhill sections of course
 US skiers lost time to best skiers on uphill sections
 Coaches allocated more time to uphill training and
technique
 US skiers were as failing to win international
competitions
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
Biomechanics can:
 identify which forces may cause injury
 help prevent injury occurring
 assist in determining which exercises are
appropriate to aid recovery from injury

Applications of biomechanics to injury prevention

and rehabilitation can involve alterations in
technique, muscle strength and equipment
 Technique -Gymnastics

 Impact forces on landing can cause injuries

 Flexing of knees, hips and ankles reduces impact
forces and injuries (but can lose marks!
Equipment –Road-running Shoes
 Boom in road-running in 1970s led to increase in
shin splint and stress fracture injuries
 Cause –running shoes identified as being too stiff
 Shoe manufacturers made shoes softer to prevent
these injuries
 Softer shoes gave less stability and control, and
resulted in increase in injuries to ankle, knee and
hip joints
 Biomechanical research into shoes has led to
many features to provide both stability and
cushioning
 How biomechanics can help
you!

 Observe, analyze and correct errors in

performance
 Assess effectiveness of innovations in equipment
 Assess training methods for potential safety
problems
 Assess value of innovations in techniques
 Allow understanding of what different body types
can achieve