Biomechanics and kinesiology

The study of human movement is the focus of both kinesiology and biomechanics. Kinesiology is the scientific study of human motion. The term kinesiology is derived from the Greek kinesi, meaning motion. The field of kinesiology is concerned with the anatomical and physiological elements that carry out movements – specifically bones, tissues, muscles, and nerves. To fully understand human motion, knowledge of how body movement occurs or kinesiology is needed.

It should be noted that the term kinesiology is often used in a broad sense to mean the study of human movement from the perspective of both an art and science. In 1989 the prestigious Academy of Physical Education voted to use the term kinesiology as a broad umbrella term to encompass the entire discipline of what has traditionally been called physical education. Many colleges and universities in the USA have renamed their physical education department the Department of Kinesiology.

Biomechanics, as a subdiscipline of physical education, focuses on the application of the scientific principles of mechanical physics to understand movements and actions of human bodies and sport implements (e.g., a tennis racquet). The term biomechanics can be better understood by examining the derivation of the words. Bio is from Greek and refers to life or living things and mechanics refers to the field of Newtonian physics and the forces that act on bodies in motion. Biomechanists study how various forces affect human motion and how movements can be improved.

Kinesiology and biomechanics are integrally related. An understanding of how the body moves, including the function and actions of the joints, muscles, and bony structure, is essential to the understanding of biomechanics. In order to effectively study the influences of forces on motion – biomechanics – one must be knowledgeable about the actions of the joints and the muscles that causes these forces; this is the realm of kinesiology. Both kinesiology and biomechanics are fundamental to understanding human movement and to helping individuals attain their fullest potential.

4.1. Listen to the text “Biomechanics and Kinesiology” and answer the questions:

1. What is origination of a word “ kinesiology ”? 2. What is kinesiology concern with? 3. What is kinesiology needed for? 4. How does a term “kinesiology” used? 5. What does biomechanics focus on? 6. From what words is a word biomechanics derived? 7. What do biomechanists study? 8. Are biomechanics and kinesiology related? 9. How do they help individuals?

4.2. Read and translate in writing the text. “Biomechanics and Kinesiology”.

4.3. Make the sentences below interrogative.

1. A body in motion remains in motion; a body at rest remains at rest. 2. For every

action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. 3. When a body is acted upon, its resulting acceleration is proportional to the force applied and inversely proportional to the mass. 4. Loss of stability is important in movements like diving. 5. Motion is the process of movement. 6. Fat people will find it easier to float in water than thin people. 6. Leverage is using the muscles and bones as machines. 7. Most human movement is of a third class lever.

V. Listening comprehension.

FORCE

Force is the effect that one body has on another. It is invisible, but it is always present when motion occurs. It should be pointed out, however, that there can be force without motion. An example of a force in which no motion is evident is the push against a wall by a person. The wall does not move, although great force might be exerted. Another example occurs when two arm wrestlers are pushing against each other with equal force and their arms remain relatively motionless.

Practitioners should be aware of the principles relating to the production, application, and absorption of force when they teach movement activities.

5.1. Listen to the text “Force” and answer the questions:

1. What is force? 2. Is it visible? 3. Can force be without motion? 4. Give an example of force.

5.2. Retell the text “Force”.

VI. Retell the oral topic:

UNIT XXII