Technology in Sports Biomechanics

Biomechanics is defined as the study of the structure and function of biological systems by the methods of mechanics. The range of applications and methodologies in biomechanics is varied, from gait analysis to manufacturing of implants, orthotics or prosthetics devices, rehabilitation technology, fluid dynamics analysis in biological systems, and tissue and cellular biomechanics. An underlying understanding of fundamental applied mechanics principles is required to understand the stresses and strains the body components cause, or are subject to, under different activities. However, it is also necessary to know which biological components are put in place to absorb shock and protect the living systems. Motion-capture technology, material mechanical testing, medical imaging, computer-aided design, and computational fluid dynamics are some of the methodologies required to work in the field. All of these areas come together when biomechanics applications are used in the analysis of sports performance.