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Knowing what you want to do and understanding how to do it can sometimes be two very diverging paths. Watch this video that demonstrates the battle between knowledge and understanding of a task many take for granted, riding a bike.

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A Time to Tune In and a Time to Move! - Understanding Biomechanics

Below are the main ideas, concepts and Principles surrounding biomechanics.

Tips

When you are asked to "evaluate" information, data, results, etc. and "draw your own conclusions" about it, you need to look at what the evidence tells you and determine the implications of that information. Consider whether the evidence supports your initial position or not. Is further investigation needed to support your stance? Then you are ready to incorporate all your information and evidence to make an informed, logical, and well supported conclusion.

Newton's 3 Laws

Newton's First Law

An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force. An object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. This law is often called "the law of inertia".

Newton's Second Law

Acceleration is produced when a force acts on a mass. The greater the mass (of the object being accelerated) the greater the amount of force needed (to accelerate the object).

Newton's Third Law

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

This is the discussion icon. Biomechanics Lab 1: Newton's 3 Laws

Find a picture or take a picture of you using each of the 3 laws of motion and explain how it illustrates the law of motion. For example, you might select a picture of you pushing or pulling an object and explain how it demonstrates the second law of motion.

Levers

Below are images of the 3 types of levers.

Wikimedia Commons

Notice that in a First Class Lever the fulcrum is between the force and the load.

Wikimedia Commons

Notice that in a Second Class Lever fulcrum and the force are at opposite ends with the load in the middle.

Wikimedia Commons

Notice that in a Third Class Lever fulcrum and load are at opposite ends with the force applied in the middle.

Wikimedia Commons

Principle 1: Stability

Stability increases with:

  • lower centre of gravity;
  • larger base of support;
  • closer line of gravity to the centre of the base of support;
  • and greater mass.

This is the dropbox icon. Biomechanics Lab 2: Stability

The lower the centre of gravity, the larger the base of support, the closer the line of gravity to the center of the base of support, and the greater the mass, the more STABILITY increases.

 

  1. position yourself in a 3 point stance, with as low a centre of gravity as you can manage
  2. stand with knees bent deeply, hands on your knees
  3. stand straight with knees shoulder width apart
  4. stand on one foot, arms extended outward
  5. stand on one foot, the other foot extended forward with a straight knee

Respond to the following questions:

  1. Which position is the most stable? Explain why this might be.
  2. Which position is the least stable? Explain why this might be.
  3. Draw a diagram or take a photo to illustrate the positions in “A” “B” “C” “D” and “E”.
  4. What conclusion can you draw with respect to base of support and stability, centre of gravity and stability?
  5. Give an example of an activity where you want to be more stable, less stable? Explain how stability is used to improve performance?

Principle 2: Force

The production of maximum force requires the use of all the joints that can be used.

Principle 3: Velocity

The production of maximum velocity requires the use of joints in order – from the largest to the smallest.

This is the dropbox icon. Biomechanics Lab 3: Production of Maximum Force

The production of maximum force requires the use of all the joints that can be used.

By attempting to kick a soccer ball for distance, you can further understand the main ideas involved in production of maximum force.

Perform the following kicks and answer the questions that follow:

  • stand near the ball, put your kicking foot on the ball and push it as far as you can
  • stand near the ball, draw your kicking leg back and strike the ball with no follow through
  • stand near the ball, draw your kicking leg back and strike the ball with a follow through
  • stand back from the ball, take a step towards it, drawing your kicking leg back and striking the ball with a follow through
  1. What can you observe from your results?
  2. How could you use joints other than in your legs to help produce maximum force in a soccer kick?

Save your observations and responses to the questions in your Portfolio.

This is the dropbox icon. Biomechanics Lab 4: Production of Maximum Velocity

The production of maximum velocity requires that the joints be used in sequence from largest to smallest.

Consider the order of joints used in a hockey slap shot, a golf swing, or an overhand throw such as a baseball pitch.

Illustrating the phases of movement, draw a series of stick figures to show the performance of the skill you chose, using the larger, slower joints first, followed by the smaller faster joints.

Attempt to perform the skill without the larger joints being involved.

Add the use of shoulders, hips and torso in proper sequence to improve the performance of the skill.

Explain how and why the use of all joints from largest to smallest increases the velocity achieved in the performance of these types of skills.

Save a sample of your illustrations as well as your explanation ot your Portfolio.

Principle 4: Impulse

The greater the applied impulse, the greater the increase in velocity.

Principle 5: Direction of Force Application

Movement usually occurs in the direction opposite that of the applied force.

This is the discussion icon. Biomechanics Lab 5: Direction of Application

Find a picture or take a picture of you applying Principle 5 and explain how it illustrates this principle.

Use the analysis you just read to help you with your explanation.

 

Principle 6: Production of Angular Motion (Torque)

Angular motion is produced by the application of force acting at some distance from an axis (or a torque).

This is the discussion icon. Biomechanics Lab 6: Production of Angular Motion (Torque)

Research the definition of Biomechanical principle of Torque and explain how this picture represents this principle as the cyclist pushes down on the pedals.

 

Principle 7: Conservation of Angular Momentum

Angular momentum is constant when an athlete or object is free in the air.

This is the discussion icon. Biomechanics Lab 7: Conservation of Angular Momentum

Find or take a picture of an example of the principle of the Conservation of Angular Momentum in our world.

 

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This is the dropbox icon.Assignment 1: Time To Reflect

To consolidate your understanding of Newton's 3 Laws of Movement and the Biomechanical Principles, write and submit a reflection on how using physical activity has helped you to better understand the laws and principles that govern movement and how you might apply this learning in your own physical activity pursuits.

Think about how you are currently applying any of the laws and principles to any physical activities you are involved in, whether they are sport specific or activity based, and how might you now alter your approach to these tasks using the information you have learned.

 

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