Chapter 2
Kinematic Concepts
for Analyzing Human
Motion
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D.
McGraw-Hill/Irwin © 2014 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Forms of Motion
: motion along a line; also called
translation
• (along a straight line)
• (along a curved line)
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-2
Forms of Motion
A long jumper, once frozen into gliding position, is
being translated through the air in curvilinear motion.
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
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Forms of Motion
: rotation around an axis
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-4
Forms of Motion
Motion at most human
body joints is angular
motion, with the center of
rotation within the joint.
The shoulder is the
center of rotation for the
windmill pitch in softball.
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
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Forms of Motion
Angular motion
Curvilinear motion
Rectilinear motion
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
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Forms of Motion
: a combination of linear and
angular motion (includes most human
motion)
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
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Forms of Motion
Most human motion is general motion, a
combination of linear and angular motion.
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
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What is a mechanical system?
• A body or portion of a body that is
deliberately chosen to be the focus of a
particular biomechanical analysis
• Examples: throwing arm, kicking leg, the
trunk during performance of a lift, the
entire body during performance of a
maximal vertical jump
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-9
What is a mechanical system?
So, for example, in analyzing cycling the mechanical system might be
the legs (powering the cycle), the trunk (with trunk angle influencing air
resistance), or the entire cycle and cyclist.
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-10
What is anatomical reference position?
• Erect standing
position with all
body parts facing
forward
• Considered the
starting point for all
body segment
movements
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-11
Directional Terms
superficial: toward the surface of the body
superior: closer to the head
proximal: closer to the trunk
deep: inside the body away from the surface
lateral: away from the medial: toward the midline of the body
midline of the body
posterior: toward anterior: toward the front of the body
the back of the body
distal: away from the trunk
inferior: farther away from the head
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-12
Reference Planes
• Sagittal plane - in
which forward and
backward
movements occur
• Frontal plane - in
which lateral
movements occur
• Transverse
plane - in which
rotational
movements occur
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-13
Reference Axes
Longitudinal axis - directed vertically and around which rotational
movements occur
Anteroposterior axis – directed along the sagittal plane
and around which rotations in the frontal plane occur
Mediolateral axis – directed along the frontal plane and
around which rotations in the sagittal plane occur
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-14
What movements occur in the sagittal plane?
Flexion Extension Hyperextension
Dorsiflexion Plantar flexion
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
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What movements occur in the frontal plane?
Radial Ulnar
deviation deviation
Abduction Adduction
Lateral flexion
Elevation Depression Eversion Inversion
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-16
What movements occur in the transverse
plane?
Horizontal
adduction
Pronation Supination
Medial Lateral Horizontal
rotation abduction
rotation
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-17
Spatial Reference Systems
The ruler serves as a simple reference system indicating that Snoopy is about 10
centimeters (cm) from the end of the ruler. The end of the ruler can be considered
the origin for the reference system. With a spatial reference system, points of
interest are identified with respect to the origin in three dimensions (e.g. sideways,
upwards, and backwards). th
Basic Biomechanics, 7 edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-18
Spatial Reference Systems
• Useful for standardizing quantitative descriptions
of human motion
• Can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional
• Most commonly used is the Cartesian coordinate system
• Human body joint centers are labeled with numerical x and
y coordinates as measured from the origin
• In research studies biomechanists use cameras to track
markers placed over human body joints and other points of
interest in three dimensions
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-19
Spatial Reference Systems
Y
(x,y) = (3,7)
X
(0,0)
Cartesian coordinates of the hip
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-20
Spatial Reference Systems
y
x=- x=+
y=+ y=+
x
(0,0)
x=- x=+
y=- y=-
Coordinates can be both positive and
negative.
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-21
Qualitative Analysis
Many professions require performing simple
qualitative analyses of patients, athletes, or clients.
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-22
Qualitative Analysis
A good qualitative
analysis that yields
accurate and useful
information requires
knowledge and
preparation on the part
of the analyst!
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-23
Qualitative Analysis:
Prerequisite Knowledge
• What is the purpose of the skill?
• What are the causes of performance errors?
• How can knowledge be gained?
• Experience in performing the skill
• Reading available literature
• Attending conferences and workshops
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-24
Qualitative Analysis:
Planning
• What is the question to be answered?
• From what perspectives (angle and viewing
distance) should the movement be
viewed?
• How many observations should be taken?
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-25
Qualitative Analysis:
Planning
• What plans should be made for:
• performer attire
• lighting conditions
• background
• use of video
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-26
Qualitative Analysis:
Conducting the Analysis
Identify Viewing Angle
Question/Problem
Viewing Distance
Performer Attire
Environmental
Refine Question Make Decisions
Modifications
End Analysis Use of Video
Communicate Collect Visual
with Performer Observations
Auditory
From Performer
Interpret Observations From Other Analysts
Basic Biomechanics, 7th edition
By Susan J. Hall, Ph.D. 2-27