This document introduces biomechanics and its subfields. Biomechanics is defined as the study of biological systems using mechanical methods. It has branches that study human movement, tissues, clinical applications, and ergonomics. Biomechanics draws from rigid body mechanics, dividing further into statics, dynamics, kinematics, and kinetics. The document discusses how biomechanics problems can be approached qualitatively or quantitatively.

1. Lecture 1
Introduction

2. What is Biomechanics
• "Biomechanics is the
study of the structure
and function of
biological systems by
means of the
methods of
mechanics."

3. Kinesiology
Motor Control/
Neuromuscular
Biomechanics
Physiology

4. Sport Biomechanics

5. Tissue Biomechanics
Knee Joint
Intervertebral Disc

6. Clinical Biomechanics

7. Ergonomics

9. Branches of Rigid Mechanics
Statics & Dynamics
What makes statics & dynamics unique?
How are they defined?

10. Organization of Mechanics
Mechanics
Rigid-body
mechanics
Deformable-body
mechanics
Fluid
mechanics
Relativistic
mechanics
Quantum
mechanics
Statics Dynamics
Kinematics Kinetics
Break into groups

11. Subdivisions of Biomechanics
Kinetics:
• Study of forces that inhibit, cause, facilitate, or modify
motion of a body.
Kinematics:
• Description of motion w/o regard to the causative
forces (spatial or temporal).
If you were interested in kinetics/kinematics, what
types of aspects of Usain’s race would you want to
study or measure? Do you think Usain can continue
to break the world records at the next Olympics?

12. Problem-Solving in Biomechanics
• Two Approaches:
• Qualitative
• Quantitative
• Steps to use when solving
problems (pg. 15)