The study of motion, without considering the forces that cause it, forms a cornerstone of understanding movement in living systems. This area focuses on the spatial and temporal aspects of movement, describing displacement, velocity, and acceleration of bodies and body segments. For example, analyzing the angular displacement of the knee joint during a squat provides insight into the range of motion achieved, while determining the linear velocity of a sprinter’s center of mass quantifies their speed.
This branch of biomechanics is crucial for performance enhancement, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. By quantifying movement patterns, professionals can identify deviations from optimal form that may increase risk of injury. Furthermore, it provides a basis for designing effective training programs and assistive devices. Its roots can be traced back to the early studies of human locomotion, with ongoing advancements driven by technological innovations in motion capture and data analysis.
