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The Goals Of Biomechanics : A Study Of Forces And Their Effects On Living Systems Essay

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To define biomechanics, one must first understand the roots of the word. Bio means living or having to do with biological systems. Mechanics is the analysis of forces and their effects. Therefore, biomechanics is the study of forces and their effects on living systems. The two main goals of biomechanics are to learn how to improve performance and at the same time prevent injury. The best way to accomplish the goals of biomechanics is to improve an athlete 's technique. Coaches and teachers accomplish this by figuring out and teaching what techniques work best for an athlete or a team. Biomechanics researchers, on the other hand, conduct research to discover new techniques that can be performed to improve performance or prevent injury. Movement analysts also use biomechanics in their specific field. An example of a movement analysts is an occupational therapist. A technique that an OT uses to reduce injury and improve performance is to break down everyday activities into smaller movements. When a person has a disability that dose 't allow them to do a certain task, an OT modifies the task for their specific needs and breaks down that task into smaller movements. The patient, then, thinks and acts through each of those movements over and over again, until they become proficient at the task (NHS choices, 2014). The topic of biomechanics can be used in many different professional fields, due to its branches of study and topics. The following will briefly explore some of the

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