Basic Kinematics

Course Content
I.
II.

III.

IV.

Introduction to the Course

Biomechanical Concepts Related to
Human Movement
Anatomical Concepts Related to Human
Movement
Applications in Human Movement

Course Content
I.
II.

III.

IV.

Introduction to the Course

Biomechanical Concepts Related to
Human Movement
Anatomical Concepts Related to Human
Movement
Applications in Human Movement

Biomechanical Concepts
A.
B.
C.

Basic Kinematic Concepts

Vector Algebra
Basic Kinetic Concepts

Biomechanical Concepts
A.
B.
C.

Basic Kinematic Concepts

Vector Algebra
Basic Kinetic Concepts

Basic Kinematic Concepts

1.
2.

3.

Variables for Describing Motion

Reference Systems for Describing Motion
of the Human Body and Its Segments
Guidelines for Describing Motion of the
Human Body and Its Segments

Rigid Body Mechanics

Rigid Body
Mechanics
Statics
Constant Velocity
Kinematics

Kinetics

Dynamics
Motionless

Kinematics

Kinetics

What is kinematics?
Spatial

and temporal characteristics

Qualitative or quantitative
Linear & angular motion

Why use kinematics?

Practical: Provides a standard for us in performing,

teaching, or evaluating a skill
Research: Once we describe, we can ask why?

Problem with kinematics?

Practical: Proper kinematics does not always mean

proper force application

Basic Kinematic Concepts

1.
2.

3.

Variables for Describing Motion

Reference Systems for Describing Motion
of the Human Body & Its Segments
Guidelines for Describing Motion of the
Human Body & Its Segments

Kinematic Variables
Time
Position
Displacement

& distance
Velocity & speed
Acceleration

Time Temporal Analysis

WHEN?
HOW OFTEN?
IN WHAT ORDER?
HOW LONG?

Most basic analysis

Examples:

Cadence
Stride time
Temporal patterning

Temporal Patterning

Temporal Patterning
Stance

Swing

Absolute vs. Relative Timing

Position
WHERE?
position

- location in space relative to some

reference point
Linear position (s)
x,y,z

coordinates

Angular
Units

position ()

Displacement & Distance

HOW FAR?

Displacement (s, )

Final change in position

Vector quantity

Distance (p, )

Sum of all changes in

position
Scalar quantity

Units (m, )

Velocity & Acceleration

HOW QUICKLY
IS VELOCITY
CHANGING?

HOW FAST?

Velocity (v, )

Vector quantity
position time
Units (m.s-1, .s-1)

Acceleration (a, )

Vector quantity
velocity time
Units (m.s-2, .s-2)
Insight into
forces/torques

Basic Kinematic Concepts

1.
2.
3.

4.

Types of Motion
Variables for Describing Motion
Reference Systems for Describing Motion
of the Human Body & Its Segments
Guidelines for Describing Motion of the
Human Body & Its Segments

Reference Systems: Linear

+y

horizontal
-x

vertical

+x

Must define origin of

reference system to
quantify kinematics.

horizontal
+z
-y

Absolute Reference Systems:

Angular
/2 rad
90 rev

CCW +

180

rad
rev

2 rad
1 rev

270

3/2 rad
rev

Relative Reference Systems:

Angular

Relative Reference Systems

All Joints @ 0except
Ankle @ 90
Forearm varies

Fundamental
Standing
Position

Anatomical
Standing
Position

Reference Systems for Measuring

Joint Position & Displacement
90
140

140

40

90

90

Basic Kinematic Concepts

1.
2.
3.

4.

Types of Motion
Variables for Describing Motion
Reference Systems for Describing Motion
of the Human Body & Its Segments
Guidelines for Describing Motion of the
Human Body & Its Segments

1. Distinguish between motion

& position of joints &
segments.

2. Recognize that either

segment can rotate about a
joint.

3. Recognize that bones move

linearly as well as angularly.

4. Understand that movement

generally occurs in oblique planes
around oblique axes.

5. When observing motion,

look at the plane, down the
axis.

Summary
Identify the system of interest
Identify the type(s) of motion of interest
Identify the reference system for the motion
Describe precisely the temporal & spatial
characteristics of that motion using appropriate
terminology for the situation

1.
2.
3.
4.

Time
Position
Displacement (ROM)
Velocity
Acceleration

For the next lecture day:

Lecture

Topic #2

Subtopic C Vector Algebra