Body mechanics looks at how the body moves while different forces are exerted on the body. Three planes of motion enable you to move in three ways: flexion/extension, adduction/abduction and rotation. These motions, as well as internal and external forces, contribute to how you move. Body mechanics can help improve performance and reduce your risk of injury.
Technique Improvement
When you practice or compete, technique is a valuable part of how you perform. Coaches and biomechanists can help you alter movements to correct your form. Coaches use video or pictures for a frame-by-frame visual of problems. Once these are corrected, your performances will improve. Biomechanists also study human movement to develop new techniques for various sports, but often times athletes, themselves, develop new ways of competing with success.
Equipment Improvement
Improved equipment will also increase your performance. Studying the way the body moves allows for the development of more economical equipment. Shoes and bikes are made lighter and thinner to decrease drag. Full body swimsuits also decrease drag in the water. Many equipment advances through the years have helped athletes break world records.
Improved Training
The third way body mechanics improves performance is through improving training. By observation, coaches and biomechanists can see where you are lacking strength or skill. Your training is then adjusted to focus on those problem areas. Increasing strength in weaker areas increases performance of drills and technique, which will increase your overall performance.
Injury Prevention
Proper technique helps reduce your risk of injury, especially when you are strength-training. When you squat, for instance, your back should remain as straight as possible and your knees should not extend past your toes. This allows your joints to avoid extra stress, which could lead to an injury. Proper landing techniques for jumps also help reduce the risk of injury to your knees. By being aware of your body positions, you can greatly reduce your risk of injury.
References
- "Introduction to Sports Biomechanics: Analyzing Human Movement Patterns"; Roger Bartlett; 2007
- "Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise"; Peter M. McGinnis; 2005
