Introduction
Biomechanika jako vědní obor
Looking into on-line scientific databases, we find several journals with „biomechanics“ in their title:
Sports Biomechanics, Journal of Biomechanics, Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, Clinical Biomechanics, Applied Bionics and Biomechanics, Computer methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering et all.
When browsing through journals such as Sports Biomechanics or Journal of Biomechanics we can find the following articles:
- „A regression model to determine load for maximum power output” (Jandacka, Vaverka 2008).
- „Adductor longus mechanics during the maximal effort soccer kick“ (Charnock, Lewis, Garrett, Queen 2009).
- „Influence of the distance in a roundhouse kick's execution time and impact force in Taekwondo“ (Falco, Alvarez, Castillo, Estevan, Martos, Mugarra, Iradi 2009).
- Effects of the rider on the linear kinematics of jumping horses (Powers, Harrison 2002).
However, in journals such as Computer methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering or Clinical Biomechanics we see articles with titles like:
- „Computer simulation of the effects of shoe cushioning on internal and external loading during running impacts (Hamill, Miller 2010).
- A prospective study of iliotibial band strain in runners (Hamill, Miller, Noehren, Davis 2008).
Biomechanics is not focused only on sports or on human (or animal) motion. In some of those articles you can find information on plant biomechanics, the biomechanics of blood flow, etc.
The word biomechanics can be divided into two parts: the prefix „bio“ and the root „mechanics“.
Biomechanics studies forces and their impact on living systems.
In 1993 James G. Hay defined human biomechanics as follows:
Human biomechanics is a branch of science studying the impact of internal and external forces on human body.
Sometimes biomechanics is identified with kinesiology. Kinesiology studies physiological, psychological, and mechanical rules in relation to the motions of living organisms. Therefore, kinesiology is superior to biomechanics.
McGinnis (2005) defined biomechanics of sport and physical exercise in the following way:
Biomechanics of sport1 and physical exercise2 studies forces and their impact on human body during physical exercise and sport.
1 By sport it is meant an organized, competitive, fun activity, requiring skills, ability, determination, strategy, and fair play, in which the winner can be determined by objective means within a firm set of rules. Zpět
2 By physical exercise it is meant any intentional physical activity which enhances or maintains physical fitness, performance, health, or wellness.Zpět