By definition, kinesiology is the study of movement.
However, this definition is too general to be of much
use. Kinesiology brings together the fields of anatomy,
physiology, physics, and geometry, and relates them to
human movement. Thus, kinesiology utilizes principles
of mechanics, musculoskeletal anatomy, and neuromuscular
physiology.
Mechanical principles that relate directly to the
human body are used in the study of biomechanics.
Because we may use a ball, racket, crutch, prosthesis, or
some other implement, their biomechanical interaction
must be considered as well. This may involve looking
at the static (nonmoving) and/or dynamic (moving)
systems associated with various activities. Dynamic systems
can be divided into kinetics and kinematics.
Kinetics are those forces causing movement, whereas
kinematics are those time, space, and mass aspects of
a moving system. These and other basic biomechanical
concepts will be discussed in Chapter 7.
This text will give most emphasis to the musculoskeletal
anatomy components, which are considered
the key to understanding and being able to apply the
other components. Many students are subject to negative
thoughts at the mere mention of the word kinesiology.
Their eyes glaze over, and their brains freeze. Perhaps,
based on past experience with anatomy, they feel that
their only hope is mass memorization. However, this
may prove to be an overwhelming task with no longterm
memory gain.
As you proceed through this text, you should keep
in mind a few simple concepts. First, the human body
is arranged in a very logical way. Like all aspects of life,
there are exceptions. Sometimes the logic of these
exceptions is apparent, and sometimes the logic may be
apparent only to some higher being. Whichever is the
case, you should note the exception and move on.
Second, if you have a good grasp of descriptive terminology
and can visualize the concept or feature, then
strict memorization is not necessary. For example, if
you know generally where the patella is located and
what the structures are around it, you can accurately
describe its location using your own words. You do not
need to memorize someone else’s words to be correct.
By keeping in mind some of the basic principles
affecting muscles, understanding individual muscle
function need not be so mind-boggling. If you know
(1) what motions a particular joint allows, (2) that a
muscle must span a particular joint surface to cause a
certain motion, (3) what that muscle’s line of pull is,
then (4) you will know the particular action(s) of a specific
muscle. For example, (1) the elbow allows only
flexion and extension. (2) A muscle must span the
joint anteriorly to flex and posteriorly to extend. (3)
The biceps brachii is a vertical muscle on the anterior
surface of the arm. (4) Therefore, the biceps flexes the
elbow.
Yes, kinesiology can be understood by mere mortals.
Its study can even be enjoyable. There is no natural or
human-made law that says otherwise. A word of caution
should be given: Like exercising, it is better to
study in small amounts several times a week than to
study for a long period in one session before the exam.