Special Topic

Question 1

Two main aims of applying Biomechanics to human movement are to?

Answer 1

• Improve performance

- Reduce risk

Question 2

List four ways a biomechanical movement analysis can be performed.

Answer 2

• Quantitative
• Qualitative
• Basic
• Complex

Question 3

List or describe several features of a basic biomechanical movement analysis.

Answer 3

• Easy to perform
• Requires little expertise
• Produces fast outcome measures

Question 4

List or describe several basic biomechanical movement analysis tests or assessments

Answer 4

• Basic gait assessment
• Sit to stand test; stair climb test; balance assessment; etc.
• Basic technique assessment
• Flexibility / ROM assessment
• Qualitative video analysis

Question 5

List or describe several examples when a basic biomechanical movement analysis could add value
to the needs of a client or athlete.

Answer 5

• They are learning a new skill or technique;
• They have movement limitations due to disability or disease;
• They have a persistent, recurring injury;
• They are about to commence an exercise program from a sedentary lifestyle;

Question 6

Define what is meant by the term ‘Movement asymmetry’.

Answer 6

Movement which is not symmetrical

E.g. Having a dominate hand

Question 7

Do all movement asymmetries relate to dysfunction and/or injury?

Answer 7

No, humans are naturally asymmetrical (both in movement and anatomically), and those asymmetries can actually be beneficial at times.

Question 8

If a client demonstrates an asymmetry with no pain, should this asymmetry be rectified? Explain
your answer

Answer 8

If no pain exists and the asymmetry due to a structural difference, then it is often best to leave it alone.

• Changing mechanics may actually trigger pain or injury
• Forcing an unnatural (for them) biomechanical position can = disaster.
• A slight malalignment, body position shifts or goofy foot positioning doesn’t mean a fix or change is needed.

Question 9

As an exercise science graduate, is it beyond your scope of practice to perform a basic movement
analysis to screen for asymmetry or movement irregularity?

Answer 9

• Screen for asymmetry, dysfunctional movement / technique or movement associated with injury / pain.
• Perhaps cue / advise correct movement patterns.
• Refer for specialist analysis!!

Question 10

Describe how biomechanical features of an Ectomorph body physique could affect sports
performance or talent identification

Answer 10

Lean, lightweight skeleton, tall & long limbs.

Suitability:

• Endurance activities
• Weight restricted / limited sports
• Projection, hitting, throwing sports (tennis)

Question 11

Describe how biomechanical features of an Mesomorph body physique could affect sports
performance or talent identification.

Answer 11

Increased muscle mass, larger / heavier skeleton, shorter & shorter limb length

Suitability:

• Strength / Power activities
• Non-weight restricted / limited sport

Question 12

Describe how biomechanical features of an Endomorph body physique could affect sports
performance or talent identification.

Answer 12

Higher fat mass, heavy skeleton, round shape, generally shorter

Suitability:
- Some combat / impact activities, can be strong & powerful (sumo wrestling)

Question 13

Provide several examples and explain how being tall or having long limbs can provide a
biomechanical advantage to sporting performance.

Answer 13

Lever advantage
- Rowing, Cricket fast bowling, Golf, Swimming

Height advantage
- Basketball, Netball, Volleyball

Reach advantage
- Boxing, Tennis, Soccer goal keeping

Question 14

Provide several examples and explain how being short or having short limbs can provide a
biomechanical advantage to sporting performance.

Answer 14

Height advantage
- Gymnastics, Diving (reduce moment of inertia to tuck body in and spin faster)

Increased agility

• Change of direction speed
• Court & team based sports

Question 15

Provide several examples and explain how a large body mass can provide a biomechanical
advantage to sporting performance.

Answer 15

Collision / combat sports

- Sumo wrestling, Rugby forward

Question 16

Provide several examples and explain how a small body mass can provide a biomechanical
advantage to sporting performance.

Answer 16

• Gymnastics, Ballet, Jockey

- Cycling – hill climbing

Question 17

Explain why each sport science discipline should not be considered / practiced in isolation

Answer 17

Many inter-relation effects and consequences exist.
Example:
-

Question 18

Provide and explain several examples how the sub-disciplines of sport/exercise science can interrelate. Try to come up with different examples to those presented in the lecture material.

Answer 18

• Modify diet (Nutrition) & train for fat loss (Exercise prescription) = decreased mass & Inertia (Biomechanical principle) = jump higher.

Question 19

With respect to disease and disability, define a biomechanical principle and explain how that
principle may relate to movement associated a range of different disabilities and diseases. Note:
you can explain a different principle for each disability and disease if you wish. Try to come up with
different examples to those presented in the lecture material

Answer 19

Diseased:

• Osteoporosis: Increase wt. bearing loading activities
  
  • Engage exercise against gravity or mass resistance
• Osteoarthritis: Decrease joint loading forces
  
  • Alter stride length & joint ROM
  • Reduce total body fat mass

Disabled:

• Amputee with prosthetic: Altered stride length & joint loadings
  
  • Gait analysis & training
  • Measure and modify movement
• Cerebral palsy: Altered stride length & joint loadings
  
  • Gait analysis, surgery & re-training
  • Measure and modify movement
• Downs Syndrome: Low muscle tone / strength;
  
  • Impacts balance, gait, exercise, terrain navigation (hills, stairs) etc