Biomechanics Study Notes Flashcards

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Biomechanics

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Study of the mechanical principles governing living systems. It analyzes how forces cause movement and how tissues respond to loads. It integrates kinetic and kinematic descriptions to explain whole-body and segmental motions.

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Kinetics

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The branch of biomechanics focusing on the forces that cause movement. It describes external and internal forces and their effect on motion. It contrasts with kinematics, which describes motion without reference to forces.

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Kinematics

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Mechanics describing motion without regard to forces. It includes concepts like displacement, velocity, and acceleration of body segments. It helps describe joint angles and trajectories during movement.

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Osteokinematics

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Movement of bones relative to one another across joints. It refers to gross joint motions such as flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation. It is contrasted with arthrokinematics, which describes motion within the joint surfaces.

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Osteology

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The study of bones and the skeletal system. It covers bone structure, terminology, and functions such as support, protection, mineral storage, and movement facilitation. It provides the foundation for understanding joint mechanics.

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Wolff's law

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Bone adapts to the loads under which it is placed. Increased mechanical stress prompts remodeling and density changes along lines of force; reduced stress can lead to bone loss. This principle explains how activity influences bone strength.

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SAID principle

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Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands. The body develops adaptations that are specific to the type and magnitude of training. Athletes experience changes in muscle, bone, and connective tissue based on the imposed demands.

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Fibrocartilage

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Hard, dense cartilage rich in collagen fibers. It resists compression and shear and provides joint stability in high-load regions. Found in the intervertebral discs, menisci, and pubic symphysis.

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Elastic cartilage

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Cartilage with a high content of elastic fibers, giving flexibility and resilience. It maintains shape while allowing bending, such as in the ear and epiglottis. It is more flexible than other cartilage types.

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Hyaline cartilage

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Articular cartilage that covers joint surfaces in synovial joints. It provides a smooth, low-friction surface and distributes loads; typically lacks a perichondrium, especially at articular surfaces. It is a major component of the joint surfaces.

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Bursa

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A small fluid-filled sac lined with synovial membrane that reduces friction between moving structures such as tendons and bones. It acts as a cushion and allows smooth gliding during movement. Bursae can become inflamed in conditions like bursitis.

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Tendon

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Connects muscle to bone and transmits force to create movement. Tendons are relatively inextensible and can store elastic energy as part of the muscle-tendon unit. They do not actively generate force themselves.

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Ligament

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Connects bone to bone and stabilizes joints. Ligaments may be intra- or extra-articular and can limit or guide motion. They become taut in specific joint positions to restrain excessive movement.

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Open-packed position

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Joint position where the articular surfaces are least congruent and joint play is maximal. It is often used as a starting point for assessment and mobilization. Stability is reduced in this position.

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Closed-packed position

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Joint position in which the joint surfaces are maximally congruent and ligaments are taut. This position provides maximal joint stability and minimal accessory motion. It is often the end-range position of movement.

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Open kinetic chain

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A movement where the distal segment moves freely and is not fixed to an adjacent segment. It often isolates a single joint and allows isolated muscle action; proximal segments do not constrain the distal segment.

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Closed kinetic chain

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A movement where the distal segment is fixed to the ground or a surface. It involves multiple joints and trunk, with forces transmitted proximally. Examples include squats and push-ups.

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Concave-on-convex arthrokinematics

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Describes how a concave joint surface moves on a fixed convex surface. The slide and roll directions are the same. This rule helps explain accessory motions at joints.

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Convex-on-concave arthrokinematics

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Describes movement of a convex surface on a fixed concave surface. The slide and roll directions are opposite. It applies to many joints where the convex bone moves on a relatively fixed socket.

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Intervertebral disc

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Cartilaginous structure between vertebral bodies consisting of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. It distributes loads and allows motion while absorbing shock. Degeneration or herniation can impair neural structures and reduce mobility.