Biomechanics-the apelication of eng

Biomechanics-the apelication of engineering principles to the motions of the human body-stands at the heart of much of the current work in training athletes At the U. S Olympic Committee Biomechanics Laboratory in Colorado Springs, experts usea computerized"force platform "to measure both the magnitude (ly) and direction ofbody forces as an athlete runs, lifts and throws. This information can tell an athlete suchas a discus (Ettt) thrower whether he performs better when more weight is placed on the front or back footThe U. S Cycling Federation relies on biomechanical analysis to measure the force applied to pedals by cyclists. We can tell if one leg is using more force than the other and how effective a rider s pedaling motion is. " says Edmund Burke of thefederation Marathoner Tony Sandoval benefited from biomechanics in a different way troubled by tendonitis (Bl and unable to figure out the cause, he went to specialists who analyzed his running movements and found he was rotating his ankle excessivelywhen landing and thus inflaming tendons. Additional analysis showed this occurredbecause his lower leg muscles, which should stabilize the ankle, were weak. He went ona muscles-strengthening program, and now everything is back to normal