Biomechanics of Human Movement Dr. Steve McCaw

Biomechanics of Biomechanics of Human MovementHuman Movement

Dr. Steve McCawDr. Steve McCawhttp://http://www.cast.ilstu.edu/mccawwww.cast.ilstu.edu/mccaw//

KinesiologyKinesiology

Kines: Latin ==> “motion”Kines: Latin ==> “motion” logos: “study of”logos: “study of” Study of Motion.Study of Motion.

Biomechanics==>The study of forces acting on a living body and the motion caused by the forces.

Why study Biomechanics?Why study Biomechanics?

To understand To understand howhow living bodiesliving bodies can move. can move.

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To answer really important questions.To answer really important questions.

Can a cow really jump over the moon?

Secret, classified NASA photograph (really real!!). Don’t tell anybody I have this/you have seen it.


To understand To understand howhow people can move. people can move.

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To understand To understand howhow people can move. people can move.• To To enhance enhance skill performanceskill performance

• elite performerselite performers• USOC, professional sports, WNBAUSOC, professional sports, WNBA

Vsevolod Meyerhold’s Biomechanical Theatre1920’s



• elite athleteselite athletes• USOC, professional sports, WNBAUSOC, professional sports, WNBA

• physical challengesphysical challenges• ACL deficitACL deficit

• CP gaitCP gait

• WheelchairWheelchair

• age-related diseaseage-related disease



• elite athleteselite athletes• USOC, professional sports, WNBAUSOC, professional sports, WNBA

• physical challengesphysical challenges• ACL deficitACL deficit

• CP gaitCP gait

• WheelchairWheelchair

• age-related diseaseage-related disease

More on gait analysis: Children’s Hospital, San Diego


To understand To understand howhow people can move. people can move.• To enhance To enhance skill performanceskill performance • To To lower the risk for lower the risk for injuryinjury

• Injury MechanismsInjury Mechanisms• Stress body is exposed toStress body is exposed to

• Tissue TolerancesTissue Tolerances• Stress that causes injuryStress that causes injury



• Exercise equipment & techniqueExercise equipment & technique

• shoes & surfacesshoes & surfaces

• braces & orthoticsbraces & orthotics

• AutomobilesAutomobiles

• collisionscollisions

EquineBiomechanics








MacLean’s10/7/02

Biomechanics Biomechanics Professional SocietiesProfessional Societies

Research in Biomechanics: Research in Biomechanics: Journals & MagazinesJournals & Magazines

Biomechanics TextbooksBiomechanics Textbooks

Careers in BiomechanicsCareers in Biomechanics

Workplace Evaluations Workplace Evaluations • KNR 342, Occupational BiomechanicsKNR 342, Occupational Biomechanics

• Caterpillar, Mitsubishi/St. Joe’sCaterpillar, Mitsubishi/St. Joe’s

Clinical ResearchClinical Research• Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine FoundationSteadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation

Athletic TrainingAthletic Training Strength & ConditioningStrength & Conditioning

BiomechanicsLab at ISU

Research

Not to know is bad. Not to wish to know

is worse.

http://www.cast.ilstu.edu/http://www.cast.ilstu.edu/mccaw/mccaw/

Biomechanics of Human Movement Dr. Steve McCaw

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