Biomechanics Exam Preparation Guide
Course Introduction
Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical principles of living organisms, particularly their movement and structure, by applying concepts from physics and engineering. The course explores how forces interact with biological tissues, how joints and muscles produce motion, and how the body responds to different mechanical loads. Students will examine topics such as tissue mechanics, locomotion, injury mechanisms, and the design of assistive devices and prosthetics. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, students develop an understanding of how mechanical forces influence the form and function of biological systems in humans and other organisms.
Recommended Textbook
Kinesiology Scientific Basis of Human Motion 12th Edition by Nancy Hamilton
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456 Verified Questions
456 Flashcards
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study of Kinesiology
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51 Verified Questions
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which president first emphasized the doctrine of populism, a political philosophy that emphasizes the needs of the common person?
A) Thomas Jefferson
B) Andrew Jackson
C) Martin Van Buren
D) Abraham Lincoln
E) Ulysses Grant
Answer: B
Q2) State the mechanical purpose of each of the following: baseball pitch sprint start walking to class shot put
Answer: optimum speed & accuracy maximum speed locomotion point to point maximum range
Q3) Describe the movement phases which might be used in an analysis of an overhand throw.
Answer: preparation, power, propulsion
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Chapter 2: The Musculoskeletal System: The Skeletal
Framework and Its Movements
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following illustrates motion in the frontal plane and around the AP axis?
A) an overhand throw
B) a bowling delivery
C) jumping jack exercises
D) a discus throw
Answer: C
Q2) What is circumduction?
A) combination of movements in two planes
B) combination of movements in three planes
C) movement about a longitudinal axis
D) movement of a segment in a circle
Answer: A
Q3) Which of the following is not a factor in range of motion?
A) joint structure
B) muscle bulk
C) ligamentous structures
D) segment length
Answer: D
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Chapter 3: The Musculoskeletal System: The Musculature
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Sample Questions
Q1) How does a muscle always contract?
A) toward the proximal attachment
B) toward the distal attachment
C) towards its center
D) toward the joint
Answer: C
Q2) What is a muscle that eliminates undesired muscle action called?
A) neutralizer
B) stabilizer
C) agonist
D) antagonist
Answer: A
Q3) I have just walked down several flights of stairs and my knee extensor muscle hurt. Explain why going down causes fatigue in these muscles rather than the knee flexors.
Answer: weight lowered through eccentric contraction of knee extensors
Q4) Why is there a greater range of motion in hip flexion with the knees bent than with them straight?
Answer: (decreased tension in biarticular muscles)
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Chapter 4: The Neuromuscular Basis of Human Motion
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Sample Questions
Q1) Why might an elderly person press their hands against their thighs when attempting to rise from a seated position?
Q2) Which is an example of a typical crossed-extensor response?
A) unweighting of one foot in response to pressure on the other
B) contraction of the extensor muscles in response to deep pressure on the foot
C) contraction of the extensor muscles of one leg in response to unweighting of the opposite foot
D) reflex extension of the arm when the leg extends
Q3) Which of the following best describes the phenomenon of reciprocal inhibition?
A) agonist contracts, neutralizers contract
B) agonist contracts, antagonist contracts
C) agonist contracts without opposition from antagonist
D) agonist contracts, synergist contracts
Q4) Which of the following head and neck positions would facilitate the desired movement or position?
A) extension of head during landing in a volleyball spike
B) flexion of head just prior to take off in a long jump
C) hyperextension of head in a head stand
D) flexion of head in a back dive
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Chapter 5: The Upper Extremity: The Shoulder Region
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Sample Questions
Q1) What are the prime movers at the shoulder joint in the propulsive phase of an overhand throw?
Q2) What motions of the shoulder joint and accompanying motions of the shoulder girdle are necessary in the action of a golf drive (consider all three phases-preparation, propulsion, and follow through)?
Q3) What is the joint action in the shoulder girdle and glenohumeral joint in the pull phase of the front crawl stroke?
A) downward rotation and abduction of scapula--extension and inward rotation of humerus
B) downward rotation of scapula--extension and abduction of humerus
C) upward rotation and abduction of scapula--flexion and adduction of humerus
D) upward rotation of scapula--extension and inward rotation of humerus
Q4) What is the primary action of the anterior deltoid?
A) shoulder flexion
B) shoulder abduction
C) shoulder extension
D) shoulder adduction
Q5) Explain why it is easier to dislocate the shoulder when the upper arm is flexed at the glenohumeral joint rather than extended.
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Chapter 6: The Upper Extremity: The Elbow, Forearm, Wrist, and Hand
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Sample Questions
Q1) Why may a person successfully complete a pull-up with the forearms supinated, but fail with the forearms pronated?
Q2) The radioulnar joint is a ____ joint.
A) pivot
B) hinge
C) gliding
D) condyloid
Q3) In a tennis stroke, stroke strong forearm pronation is used to give top spin to the ball. Which are the prime movers for this?
A) pronator teres, pronator quadratus
B) pronator teres, pronator quadratus, biceps brachii
C) pronator teres, pronator quadratus, biceps brachii, brachialis
D) pronator teres, pronator quadratus, brachialis
Q4) Which bones of the forearm form a major part of the elbow joint?
A) radius
B) fibula
C) ulna
D) carpal
Page 8
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Chapter 7: The Lower Extremity: The Hip Region
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Sample Questions
Q1) Why is it easier to keep the low back flat on the floor in a supine lying position if the knees and hips are flexed?
Q2) Why is the range of motion in hip hyperextension much less than the range of motion in hip flexion?
Q3) What muscles are primarily responsible for the pelvic rotation in the preparatory movement (backswing) in the tennis forehand drive?
A) left adductors; right tensor fascia latae and pectineus
B) left tensor fascia latae and lesser glutei; right 6 deep outward rotators
C) right gluteus medius and minimus; left sacrospinalis
D) right tensor fascia latae and lesser glutei; left 6 deep outward rotators
Short Answer Questions
Q4) Analyze the muscular involvement in the motion of the hip joint in stair climbing. Be sure to include both the preparation phase and the propulsion phase.
Q5) Which of the following is the angle of inclination of the femur?
A) the angle of the femur with the vertical
B) the angle between the pelvis and the femur
C) the angle between the femur and the tibia
D) the angle between the head/neck of the femur and the shaft of the femur
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Chapter 8: The Lower Extremity: The Knee, Ankle, and Foot
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Sample Questions
Q1) Where is there increased tensile stress when one is knock-kneed?
A) anteriorly
B) laterally
C) medially
D) posteriorly
Q2) Give an anatomical explanation for the preponderance of lateral sprains in the `ankle.
Q3) Which three bones make up the ankle joint?
A) calcaneus, talus, tibia
B) tibia, fibula, talus
C) fibula, tibia, calcaneus
D) tibia, talus, femu
Q4) Why is the knee classified as a modified hinge joint?
A) because of the action of the femur on the tibia
B) because of the structure of the menisci
C) because of the action of the gliding motion of the patella on the femur
D) because of the action of the rotation of the fibula
Q5) Why are deep knee bends considered to be a potentially dangerous exercise?
Q6) Many people find it more difficult to grasp the ankles in a long sit position if the ankle joint is dorsiflexed. Explain this phenomenon.
Page 10
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Chapter 9: The Spinal Column and Thorax
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which is the "prime mover" in head/neck flexion in an erect position?
A) sub occipitals
B) gravity
C) levator scapulae
D) scalenes
Q2) Which of the following accompanies rotation of the vertebral column?
A) flexion
B) hyperextension
C) lateral flexion to same side
D) lateral flexion to opposite side
Q3) In which region of the spine is the least amount of rotation permitted?
A) cervical
B) head-cervical
C) lumbar
D) thoracic
Q4) What determines the nature of the motion between two adjacent vertebrae?
A) the angulation of the articular facets
B) the ligamentous support
C) muscular support
D) the size of the vertebral body
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Chapter 10: Terminology and Measurement in Biomechanics
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following would represent the description of a vector in a polar coordinate system?
A) x = 35, y = 60
B) R = 42, q = 35<sup>\(\circ\)</sup>
C) P1 = (2, 6); P2 = (5, 10)
D) none of the above
Q2) What may the study of batting in softball be classified as?
A) dynamics
B) kinematics
C) mechanics
D) all of the above
Q3) What is the primary element in a kinetic analysis?
A) acceleration
B) cause of motion
C) displacement
D) velocity
Q4) Name at least three vector quantities that are important in each of the following activities: soccer getting a box out of a cupboard walking
Page 12
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Chapter 11: The Description of Human Motion
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which type of motion is produced by any force that is not through the axis of rotation?
A) linear
B) rotary
C) straight line motion
D) rectilinear
Q2) It is known that the time of flight of an object depends upon the ____ component of velocity.
A) vertical
B) horizontal
C) resultant
Q3) The radian is a unit of displacement used in which type of measurement?
A) rotary
B) linear
C) speed
D) time
Q4) Why can you hit a golf ball farther with a driver (#1 wood) than with a #9 iron?
Q5) Why is it easier to hit a home run with the hands at the end of the bat rather than when "choking up"?
Page 13
Q6) Why is it important to strive for height when executing the long jump?
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Chapter 12: The Conditions of Linear Motion
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which is true when applying Newton's 3<sup>rd</sup> law of action/reaction to dribbling a basketball?
A) action: ball hits floor; reaction: floor pushes ball
B) action: floor pushes ball; reaction: ball hits floor
C) action: ball leaves hand; reaction: ball hits floor
D) action: ball hits floor; reaction: ball force on hand
Q2) In which of the following must a force always be present?
A) acceleration
B) displacement
C) dynamics
D) motion
Q3) Which of the following represents a force that opposes the forward movement of a swimmer?
A) buoyancy
B) drag
C) lift
D) magnus effect
Q4) Why will a steel ball bounce when dropped on a trampoline but not when dropped on a wooden floor?
Q5) Why is it more difficult to run on the beach than on the street?
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Chapter 13: The Conditions of Rotary Motion
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Sample Questions
Q1) Based on the principles of levers, which of the following levers is most efficient in overcoming a resistance of 20 lbs?
A) EA = 2", RA = 4"
B) EA = 4", RA = 6"
C) EA = 10", RA = 5"
D) EA = 10", RA = 10"
Q2) What is centrifugal force?
A) force that causes object to fly off at a tangent to arc of motion
B) force that causes object to travel in an arc
C) reaction force to that which pulls away from center of arc
D) reaction force to centripetal force
Short Answer Questions
Q3) Will a subject who is seated be able to support more weight with the knee fully extended or with the knee at 20<sup>\(\circ\)</sup> of flexion (lower leg 20<sup>\(\circ\)</sup> below the horizontal)?
Explain your answer, including a discussion of both the resistance and the effort.
Q4) Why do sprinters lean when running the curve on a track?
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Chapter 14: The Center of Gravity and Stability
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following defines the line of gravity of the body?
A) intersection of cardinal sagittal & frontal planes
B) vertical line bisecting the body laterally
C) intersection of cardinal sagittal & frontal planes AND vertical line passing through center of gravity
D) intersection of cardinal sagittal & horizontal planes AND vertical line bisecting the body laterally
Q2) Why is it difficult (impossible) to bend over and touch one's toes with the heels and the buttocks against a wall?
Q3) To take a step one must become ____ and then ____ so you move from one place to another.
A) stable, unstable
B) unstable, vertical
C) unstable, stable
D) stable, horizontal
Q4) Name three things a basketball player might do in order to go from a stationary position to a fast run very quickly.
Q5) Explain the limitations that exist on how far the base of support can be widened in a standing position.
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Chapter 15: Kinesiology of Fitness and Exercise
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Sample Questions
Q1) What will be the effect on the rest of the weight bearing joints and the spine if a person stands with the knees severely hyperextended, as in wearing high heels?
Q2) What is one of the possible consequences of marked postural deviations in alignment?
A) decreased circulation
B) stretching of the ligaments
C) imbalance of muscles
D) a decrease in tension
Short Answer Questions
Q3) Which of the following partially characterizes the fatigue posture?
A) forward head and sunken chest
B) forward chest and sunken abdomen
C) backward tilting pelvis and shoulders back
D) lordosis and kyphosis
Q4) Which of the following is true of the joints in the erect standing posture?
A) all joints are in extension
B) all joints of the lower extremity are in extension
C) all weight bearing joints except the ankle are in extension
D) none of the above
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Chapter 16: Moving Objects: Pushing and Pulling
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Sample Questions
Q1) Describe an exercise for flexibility that uses the concept of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Explain your rationale for this choice of exercise.
Q2) Why is it more difficult to perform a sit-up when the hands are clasped behind the head than when the arms are kept at the side?
A) the resistance arm is greater
B) the resistance arm is smaller
C) the torque of the resistance is reduced
D) the torque produced by the abdominals is reduced
Q3) Why should a person not "bounce" during stretching exercises?
Q4) Which muscle is the individual trying to neutralize when doing a sit-up with the hips flexed as much as possible?
A) hamstrings
B) iliopsoas
C) gluteus maximus
D) abdominals
Q5) What differences would exist between an exercise program whose goal is endurance and one for which strength is the program goal?
Q6) How do plyometric jumping exercises act to increase one's vertical jump height?
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Chapter 17: Moving Objects: Throwing, Striking, and Kicking
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Sample Questions
Q1) What should one do to apply maximum pushing force?
1) use the largest possible number of segments
2) use the smallest segments
3) move through a large range of motion
4) move the segments in an ordered sequence, one after the other
A) 1, 2, 3
B) 1, 3, 4
C) 1, 3
D) 2, 4
Q2) Why is it often easier to stand from a seated position if the feet are brought as close to the chair as possible?
Q3) Which of the following will not act to increase the force available in a pushing or pulling motion?
A) applying all forces in sequence
B) applying all forces along the line of action
C) involving the lower extremity
D) using the body weight when possible
Q4) Why is it advisable to use the smallest number of segments possible when using a push-pull pattern for accuracy?
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Chapter 18: Locomotion: Solid Surface
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Sample Questions
Q1) Why is it better to contact the ball with the elbow fully extended rather than flexed in executing a hard tennis serve?
Q2) Which of the following best describes the desired action of the segments contributing to the motion in striking activities where maximum velocity of the implement is desired?
A) reach highest velocity at the same time
B) distal segments reach higher velocity than proximal segments
C) proximal segments reach higher velocity than distal segments
D) segments should move through a large range
Q3) Why should the pelvic girdle rotate before the arm comes through in executing a hard throw?
Q4) Which segment should be the last to move and have the highest velocity in a throw?
A) hand
B) forearm
C) upper arm
D) trunk
Q5) Why is it difficult to throw a ball while treading water (as in water polo)?
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Chapter 19: Locomotion: The Aquatic Environment
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Sample Questions
Q1) In which direction is the force applied during the propulsion phase of the walk?
A) downward
B) down and backward
C) forward
D) forward and upward
Q2) What is the function of the quadriceps muscles when the heel contacts the ground in walking?
A) extend the lower leg at the knee joint
B) flex the lower leg at the knee joint
C) flex the thigh at the femoral joint
D) stabilize the knee against the reaction force from the floor
Q3) How can the long jumper stay in the air longer?
A) increase velocity, decrease angle
B) decrease velocity, increase angle
C) increase vertical velocity, decrease angle
D) maintain velocity, increase angle
Q4) Why do sprinters use starting blocks instead of just pushing off the ground?
Q5) Why must a jumper strive for height when executing a long jump?
Q6) What are the six major components of walking?
21
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Chapter 20: Locomotion: When Suspended and Free of Support
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Sample Questions
Q1) In which direction will the body move if hands press down and back against the water in a sculling motion?
A) down and back
B) down and forward
C) up and back
D) up and forward
Q2) What happens to drag on the body as velocity increases?
A) increases
B) decreases
C) stays the same
D) not enough information
Q3) Which are the two forces that are primarily responsible for propulsion in swimming?
A) drag and reaction forces
B) lift and buoyancy
C) drag and lift forces
D) reaction forces and buoyancy
Q4) Explain the function of the S-curve path followed by the hand in most swimming strokes.
Q5) Why is a football lineman more likely to float than a marathon runner?
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Chapter 21: Impact
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Sample Questions
Q1) How may the height of the swing of a pendulum be increased?
A) increase radius on downswing, decrease on upswing
B) increase radius on downswing, increase on upswing
C) decrease radius on downswing, decrease on upswing
D) decrease radius on downswing, increase on upswing
Q2) Why would a coach recommend a "tighter" tuck to enable the gymnast to get all the way around?
A) angular velocity will decrease
B) angular displacement will decrease
C) moment of inertia will decrease
D) mass will decrease
Q3) Discuss some of the problems that occur in prolonged weightlessness. Include a discussion of both neuromuscular and anatomical considerations.
Q4) How might a diver or gymnast initiate a twist about the vertical axis once airborne and rotating forward about the horizontal axis?
A) turn the head away from the rotating direction
B) tilt the body by raising the arm in the direction of the twist
C) tilt the body by raising the arm opposite the twisting side
D) the twist must be started before take off
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Chapter 22: Instrumentation for Motion Analysis
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Sample Questions
Q1) What effect does tucking and doing a shoulder roll have during a fall?
A) maintaining the horizontal velocity
B) gradually decreasing the horizontal velocity
C) helping to regain balance
D) keeping the arms free from injury
Q2) Where should the line of gravity be located when receiving impact from an object with a large horizontal velocity?
A) centered over the base of support
B) near the front edge of the base of support
C) near the back edge of the base of support
D) in any comfortable position
Q3) Among other things what does the concept of "giving" to catch something involve?
A) flexing the elbow at contact
B) extending the elbow at contact
C) keeping the elbow rigid at contact
D) none of the above
Q4) List the primary considerations in considering the effects of impact on the body.
Q5) How would you dissipate energy when catching a fast-pitched hard ball?
Explain the rationale for your answer.
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