Chiropodist’s & Podiatrists
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What is Biomechanics?
The word 'biomechanics' is derived from the Greek bios meaning
life and mekhaniki meaning mechanics, so that biomechanics may said to be the study
of the mechanics of life forms. In human movement biomechanics, topics include injury,
clinical assessment, rehabilitation, ergonomics and sport.
Sports biomechanics uses
the scientific methods of mechanics to study the effects of various forces on the
sports performer. It is concerned, in particular, with the forces that act on the
human neuromusculoskeletal system, velocities, accelerations, torque, momentum, and
inertia. It also considers aspects of the behavior of sports implements, footwear,
orthotics and surfaces where these affect athletic performance or injury prevention.
Quote accredited to Quintic systems.
Before any orthotics are made or gait analysis performed, a full biomechanical assessment is carried out on each patient presenting with a musculoskeletal problem. Different areas are investigated: looking at the patient's posture, lower limb alignment foot position and muscle strength. Measurements may be taken of hip, knee and ankle range of movement checking for any restrictions either soft tissue (muscle, capsule or ligaments) or bony. Particular attention is made to foot function and posture such as below the ankle the mid foot and the big toe joint. Anomalies with any of these muscles and joints can be identified and addressed by using insoles and a stretching/strengthening regime
BIOMECHANICS
