Biomechanics

   

   Biomechanics is a science part of the larger field of kinesiology, it is focusing on the mechanics of movement; it is a multidisciplinary science that combines biological and medical knowledge with engineering. Biomechanics includes how muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments work together to produce movement. Also, the mechanics of blood circulation, renal function, and other body functions; it studies not only the human body, it studies animals and even extends to plants and the mechanical workings of cells, too.

     This beautiful science includes some elements, as the followings:

• Statics: Studying systems that are in equilibrium or forces associated with not-moving. 
• Dynamics: Studying systems that are associated with moving. 

1. Kinematics: Describing the effect of forces on a system, motion patterns including linear and angular changes in velocity over time. Position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration are studied.
2. Kinetics: Studying what causes motion, the forces and moments at work.

     There are multiple specialty areas in biomechanics, such as cardiovascular biomechanics, cell biomechanics, human movement biomechanics (in particular orthopedic biomechanics), occupational biomechanics, and sport biomechanics. Specialties with biomechanics include:

• Biological Science: Studies of human, animal, cell and plant biomechanics.
• Exercise and Sports Science: Applying biomechanics to human performance in athletics. 
• Health Sciences: Researching causes, treatment and prevention of injury and using biomechanics to design rehabilitation programs and equipment. 
• Engineering and Applied Science

     Study this science is very difficult because is not a common career, a biomechanics' student take courses about physics, biology, anatomy,  psychology, mathematics and engineering. Also, the student with doctorates can work with different aspects: research and design by sports companies, athletic research and testing, workplace testing and design of interfaces between humans and equipment. The applications of biomechanics are wide-ranging and some examples include the use of biomechanical analysis in the design of implantable artificial prostheses, such as artificial hearts and small-diameter blood vessels; in the engineering of living tissues, such as heart valves and intervertebral discs; and in injury prevention related to vehicle accidents, etc.

     

In Venezuela the most common way to studied about biomechanics is with health sciences or sports. The following aspects are included in the study of biomechanics:

• Biomechanics can be applied to individuals, analyzing their movements and coaching them for more effective movement during exercise, sports, work, daily activities, etc. 

• Biomechanics can be used in the design of sports equipment, clothing, shoes, etc. 

• Biomechanics can study sports techniques and training systems and develop ways to make them more efficient.  

• Biomechanics can be applied to studying the causes, treatment, and prevention of injuries. The research analyzes the forces at work that can lead to an ankle sprain and how shoe design or the playing surface might reduce the risk of injury.

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