Introduction to Sports Biomechanics: Analysing Human Movement ...

INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS BIOMECHANICS
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INTRODUCTION
In this chapter we will consider the anatomical principles that apply to movement in
sport and exercise and how the movements of the sports performer are generated.
Anatomy is an old branch of science, in which the use of Latin names is still routine
in the English-speaking world. As most sports biomechanics students do not, understandably,
speak Latin, the use of Latin words will be avoided, unless necessary, in this
chapter; so, for example, Latin names of the various types of joint are not used. Where
this avoidance is not possible, and this includes the naming of most muscles, some
brief guidance to the grammar of this antique language is given. We shall also look at
how electromyography can be used in the study of sports movements and the use of
isokinetic dynamometry in recording muscle torques.
BOX 6.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES
After reading this chapter you should be able to:
define the planes and axes of movement, and name and describe all of the principal movements
in those planes in sport and exercise
identify the functions of the skeleton and give examples of each type of bone
describe typical surface features of bone and how these can be recognised superficially
understand the tissue structures involved in the joints of the body and the factors contributing
to joint stability and mobility
identify the features of synovial joints and give examples of each class of these joints
understand the features and structure of skeletal muscles
classify muscles both structurally and functionally
describe the types and mechanics of muscle contraction and appreciate how tension is produced
in muscle
understand how the total force exerted by a muscle can be resolved into components
depending on the angle of pull
appreciate the applications of electromyography to the study of sports skills
understand why the recorded EMG differs from the physiological signal and how to use EMG
measuring equipment in sports movements
describe the main methods of quantifying the EMG signal in the time and frequency domains
appreciate how and why isokinetic dynamometry is used to record the net muscle torque at a
joint.