Biomechanically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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biomechanically
[ˌbaɪoʊmɪˈkænɪkli ]
Definition
science context
Biomechanically refers to the manner in which biomechanics, the study of the structure and function of biological systems by means of the methods of mechanics, influences movement. It is often used in discussions regarding physical performance, rehabilitation, and ergonomics.
Examples of usage
- The athlete moved biomechanically efficiently to avoid injury.
- Biomechanically, the design of the prosthetic limb mimics natural movement.
- The training program was adjusted biomechanically to enhance performance.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Biomechanics studies how muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments work together to produce movement.
- It plays a vital role in fields such as sports science, helping athletes improve performance and reduce injuries.
- Researchers use principles from physics to understand forces acting on the body during various activities.
Sports
- In sports, biomechanical analysis can inform training regimens, helping athletes to optimize their movements.
- Technology like motion capture is used to analyze and enhance an athlete's performance through biomechanical feedback.
- Biomechanics helps in designing better sports equipment by understanding the interactions between body and gear.
Healthcare
- Physiotherapists use biomechanical principles to create rehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs.
- Understanding biomechanics is essential for developing prosthetics that mimic natural limb movement.
- It helps in diagnosing movement disorders and creating treatment plans to improve mobility.
Robotics
- The principles of biomechanics are increasingly applied in robotics to make machines that move like humans or animals.
- Biomimicry in robotics uses designs inspired by biological systems to create efficient movement in machines.
- Advancements in wearable robotics are changing rehabilitation by supporting motion in a biomechanically natural way.
Origin of 'biomechanically'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'bio-' which means life, and 'mechanics,' which comes from the Greek 'mekhane' meaning machine or tool.
- First used in scientific contexts in the 20th century, reflecting the intersection of biology and engineering.
The term 'biomechanically' originates from the combination of the prefix 'bio-', which comes from the Greek word 'bios' meaning 'life', and 'mechanics', which comes from the Latin 'mechanica' meaning 'the study of forces and motion'. This convergence reflects the field's purpose to apply principles of mechanics to biological systems. Biomechanics itself emerged as a scientific discipline in the late 19th century, but the specific term 'biomechanically' began to gain prominence in the late 20th century as advancements in technology and an increased understanding of human anatomy and physiology paved the way for innovations in sports science, rehabilitation, and ergonomics. As the knowledge of how the body functions and moves has increased, so too has the use of the term to describe actions and analyses that consider the biomechanical principles involved.