B101 – Biomechanics: Applied Physics (Powerpoint Slide Show)

Description

Biomechanical Foundations of Swimming is a Powerpoint slide show that provides the scientific basis behind effective swimming technique. The course explains the principles of hydrodynamics and biomechanics as they relate to swimming. It also describes the most effective ways to help swimmers both swim faster and avoid the repetitive motion injuries so common in this sport.

The user can display the biomechanical slides with or without subtitles. The user can select from 68 different languages to display a simultaneous translation of the audio.

The course will take about one hour to complete.

Here are sample biomechanical questions to answer after completing the course.

What hand path is most effective?

• A gradual angle
• A severe angle
• An S shape
• A straight path

If a swimmer has an effective hand pitch and path, what direction does the palm face?

• Toward the side of the pool
• Toward the bottom of the pool
• Toward the feet
• Toward the surface

What type of forces are generated by hand motion?

• Drag and pitch
• Lift and drag
• Lift and path
• Pitch and path

True or false? Throughout the underwater arm motion, hand speed increases similar to hand force.

• True
• False

About how much more does the hand move backward with respect to the body than with respect to the water?

• One-half
• One-third
• One-fourth
• Twice

What is biomechanics?

• The application of mechanical principles to body movement
• The application of mechanical principles to water movement
• The application of hydrodynamics to body movement
• None of the above

What hand pitch angle generates the most force?

• 90^o
• 70^o
• 45^o
• 25^o

Based on an optimal hand pitch, what hand path angle with respect to the water generates the most force?

• 90^o
• 70^o
• 45^o
• 25^o

True or false? A swimmer who improves mechanical advantage, gains more benefit from strength.

• True
• False

Why does the hand move backward less with respect to the water than the hand?

• The body is moving forward
• The hand exits in front of the entry point
• The water resists the hand motion
• None of the above

If the hand path is too severe, what is the effect on hand force?

• A decrease
• An increase
• No change
• None of the above

What is the shape of an optimal freestyle hand path with respect to the body?

• S shape
• I shape
• Zig-zag
• Hour glass

What direction does the hand move with an effective push phase?

• Mostly upward
• Mostly backward
• Mostly lateral
• Mostly medial