PHED 224 -- Biomechanical Analysis

---

Excerpts from Pre-Modern Biomechanics
(a.k.a. Kinesiology)

---

Cooper, John M. & Glassow, Ruth B. (1963). Kinesiology. St. Louis: Mosby.

This text will deal primarily with human motion and will present information which will increase understanding of the purposeful movements of man. It is presented with the hope that such understanding will enable the performer to move more skillfully and efficiently and that those persons who attempt to guide others in the improvement of motor skills will gain insight into methods by which their goals can be achieved.

If range and speed of joint action are to be measured from film, one frame must be viewed at a time. Such measurement is a laborious and time-consuming task and explains in part the limited investigations in which these devices have been used.

Nature has equipped the human mechanisms with many innate neuromuscular responses which combine with voluntarily initiated acts. [These] automatisms enable the athlete to use his body to the best advantage and teaching should not tamper with these but attempt to use them.

Wells, Katharine F. (1950). Kinesiology. Philadelphia: Saunders.

The mechanisms which are involved in activities such as walking, throwing a baseball, or lifting a trunk are no less awe-inspiring than are the mechanisms involved in metabolism or photosynthesis. But kinesiology is not studied merely for the purpose of inciting our interest in a fascinating and mysterious subject. It has a useful purpose... Kinesiology serves only half its purpose when it provides the background for learning or teaching motor skills. It must also serve to lay the foundation for perfecting, repairing, and keeping in good condition that incomparable mechanism -- the human body.

The therapist is primarily concerned with the effect that exercises and other techniques of physical medicine have upon the body. He -- or she -- is concerned particularly with the restoration of impaired function and with methods of compensating for lost function.

Broer, Marion R. (1960). Efficiency of human movement. Philadelphia: Saunders.

Movement is used in some way, to some degree, in every task accomplished by human beings. The need of every individual is to understand human movement so that any task -- light or heavy, fine or gross, fast or slow, of long or short duration, whether it involves everyday living skills, work skills, or recreation skills -- can be approached effectively.

How frequently is movement development hindered by a performer attempting to repeat exactly, or a teacher requiring that a student use, a stereotyped form which has perhaps been successful with someone else but may not be his normal movement?

The principles of balance, force production, motion and leverage are identical regardless of the activity. Common elements would be much more apparent if learning were approached from the standpoint of several questions. What is the purpose of this movement (or activity)? Purpose should be considered, not only in the very specific terms of force production -- whether a maximum production of force or controlled force is needed.

This book does not give answers to those who seek definite description of the correct form for various movement situations. For example, the discussion of the golf drive does not in any way establish the "correct" length of backswing. It seeks to assist the reader in gaining an understanding of the relationship of the length of the backswing to the control of the clubhead and to the force which can be produced, so that the reader can choose intelligently that length of backswing which will be most efficient according to his strength and the particular purpose involved at any specific time.

It is my hope that the ideas which are expressed will stimulate the reader to question some of the traditional materials...