General information


Subject type: Basic

Coordinator: A hard tackle from Víctor Illera to Domínguez

Trimester: Second term

Credits: 6

Teaching staff: 

A hard tackle from Víctor Illera to Domínguez
Carla Pérez-chirinos Buxadé 

Teaching languages


  • Spanish

This subject is mainly taught in Spanish, although Catalan is also used for some classes and teaching resources. Some bibliographic resources and documents are also in English.

Skills


Basic skills
  • 2_1_B3_Have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data to issue judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues

Specific skills
  • 2_4_E7_Identify the health risks arising from the practice of inappropriate physical and sporting activities and propose alternatives

General competencies
  • 2_2_G3_Recognize the epistemological, historical and educational foundations of physical activity and sport

  • 2_2_G12_Apply the fundamental rights and equal opportunities between men and women, the principles of equal opportunities for people with disabilities, of solidarity

  • 2_2_G8_Understand the foundations, structures and functions of human motor skills and patterns

  • 2_2_G4_Describe the physiological and biomechanical factors that condition the practice of physical activity and sport

Transversal competences
  • 2_3_T6_Generate resources for adapting to new situations and solving problems, and for autonomous learning and creativity

Description


Biomechanics is a discipline born from the combination of biology and mechanics. The term biology comes from the Greek roots "bios" (life) and "logos" or "logia" (science). Thus, biomechanics is generally defined as the study of the movement of living things by applying the principles of mechanics. This subject focuses specifically on the study of the movement of the human body in the context of physical exercise and sport, analyzing and explaining this movement using the basic laws of physics and mechanics, and integrating knowledge of anatomy and physiology

The main objective of this subject is for students of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences (CAFE) to understand in depth how the human body works from a mechanical point of view during the interactions typical of physical activity and sport. It seeks to provide the necessary knowledge to address, analyze and explain the causes that cause the movement of the human body, as well as the effects of movement and the environment in which sporting actions take place.

The study of biomechanics is essential for professionals in the Sciences of Physical Activity and Sport, as it allows them to know the factors related to the mechanics of biological tissues and movement, which can positively or negatively affect the body human during the practice of physical exercise and sport. In addition, the acquisition of skills in this field is essential for carrying out qualitative and quantitative assessments, with the aim of developing predictive models that provide advance knowledge about the effect of the application of forces and movement on the human body

This integrative approach allows future professionals to not only understand the fundamentals of human movement, but also to apply this knowledge to optimize athletic performance and prevent injury. Through a teaching process that is based on the principles of kinetics and kinematics, as well as the physical properties of the various biological tissues of the human body, students will acquire a detailed and applied understanding of biomechanics.

This subject is key to understanding the underlying mechanisms of human movement and its practical applications in the field of physical activity and sport. It provides a solid foundation for the training of professionals capable of analyzing, interpreting and applying biomechanical knowledge in order to improve people's health, sports performance and quality of life.

The classroom (physical or virtual) is a safe space, free of sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes, either towards students or towards teachers. We trust that together we can create a safe space where we can make mistakes and learn without having to suffer prejudice from others. 

Contents


Topic 1. Introduction to the biomechanics of physical exercise

Topic 2. Measurement of biomechanical variables. Tools, magnitudes and units

Item 3. Linear kinematics

Item 4. Angular kinematics

Topic 5. Statics. Study of forces in equilibrium

Item 6. Linear kinetics

Item 7. Angular kinetics

Item 8. Resistance and loads

Item 9. Levers and pulleys

Item 10. Biomechanical analysis of training systems

Topic 11. Work, energy and power

Item 12. Biomechanics of human tissues

Item 13. Fluid dynamics

Evaluation system


According to the qualification system (Royal Decree 1125/2003, of 5 September, establishing the European credit system and the qualification system for university degrees of an official nature and valid throughout the state):

  • 0 - 4,9: Suspension (SS)
  • 5,0 - 6,9: Approved (AP)
  • 7,0 - 8,9: Notable (NT)
  • 9,0 - 10,0: Excellent (SB)

The student's final grade is the result of continuous assessment through different assessment activities delivered throughout the course and a final face-to-face exam, carried out during the exam period at the end of the term. The subject is passed with a grade equal to or greater than 5 points (out of 10 points) according to the following weighting table:

Type of assessment Evaluation activity Weighting Assessed skills
E. Continued Internships 25% B3, G4, G6, G8, T6, E6, E7
E. Continued Work in group 25% B3, G4, G6, G8, T6, E6, E7
E. End Final exam 50% B3, G4, G6, G8, T6, E6, E7

Continued avaluation: These activities weigh 50% of the final grade of the subject (includes 25% of individual and/or group practice assignments and 25% of group assignment). The instructions for the development of the activities will be delivered via Moodle and will be explained in due course during the corresponding sessions.

Final exam: The final mark of this exam weighs 50% of the final grade of the subject. This exam will be face-to-face and will consist of test and/or development type questions. This exam must be passed with a grade equal to or higher than 5/10 to pass the subject.

Attendance at practical classes: It is mandatory to attend a minimum of 70% of the practices of the subject. If attendance is lower, the final grade for the subject will be 0/10.

 

Calculation of the final grade of the subject:

  • If attendance at internships is equal to or greater than 70%:
    • If your final exam score is equal to or higher than 5: Final grade = 25% Practice + 25% Group work + 50% Final exam
    • If final exam grade <5: Final grade = Final exam grade
  • If practical attendance <70%: Final grade = 0

In case of not appearing in the final exam of the subject, the qualification will be "NP": not presented. In this case, the student will not have the right to recovery.

 

Recovery: Grades for continuous assessment activities (practices and group work) cannot be recovered, nor can an attendance of less than 70% in practicals be compensated in any way. Only students who have failed the subject (overall grade < 5) can take retakes. Recoveries cannot include:

  • Qualified students with a “Not Presented”.
  • Students with less than 70% practical attendance.
  • Students who have passed the subject in the ordinary call.

The make-up exam is a face-to-face exam, similar in format to the regular exam, which will consist of test and/or development type questions. In this exam, the student must achieve a grade equal to or higher than 5/10 in order to pass the subject.

Calculation of the final grade of the subject after the recovery:

  • If you score a retake exam equal to or higher than 5: Final grade = 25% Practices + 25% Group work + 50% Retake exam
  • If retake exam grade <5: Final grade = Retake exam grade

REFERENCES


Basic

Izquierdo, M., Redín, MI (2008). Biomechanics and neuromuscular bases of physical activity and sport. Ed. Pan American Doctor: Madrid.

Leal, L., Martínez, D. and Sieso, E. (2012). Fundamentals of exercise mechanics. Ed. European Specialists: Barcelona.

McGinnis, PM (2013). Biomechanics of sport and exercise. Human Kinetics.

Complementary

Rodano, R. (2002). Critical issues in applied sport biomechanics research. In ISBS-Conference Proceedings Archive.

Sprigings, EJ (1988). Sport biomechanics: data collection, modeling, and implementation stages of development. Canadian journal of sport sciences = 13 (1), 3-7.

Taborri, J., Keogh, J., Kos, A., Santuz, A., Umek, A., Urbanczyk, C., ... & Rossi, S. (2020). Sport biomechanics applications using inertial, force, and EMG sensors: a literature overview. Applied bionics and biomechanics, 2020.

Soriano, PP, & Belloch, SL (2007). instrumentation in sports biomechanics. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 2 (II), 26-41.

Zatsiorsky, V. (Ed.). (2008). Biomechanics in sport: performance enhancement and injury prevention (Vol. 9). John Wiley & Sons.

Gutiérrez Dávila, M. (1998). Sports biomechanics. Ed. Synthesis: Madrid.

Hochmuth, G. (1973). Biomechanics of sports movements. INEF Madrid: Madrid.

Chapman, AE (2008). Biomechanical analysis of fundamental human movements. Human Kinetics

Blazevich, A., & Blazevich, AJ (2017). Sports biomechanics: the basics: optimizing human performance. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Elliott, B. (1999). Biomechanics: an integral part of sport science and sport medicine. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2 (4), 299-310.

Hebbelinck, M., & Ross, WD (1974). Kinanthropometry and biomechanics. In Biomechanics IV (pp. 535-552). Palgrave, London.

Neumann, DA (2010). Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system; Foundation for rehabilitation. Mosby & Elsevier.