Biomechanics is the study of movement in biological systems, including human beings. Biomechanists use the principles of physical mechanics combined with those of biology to understand how people move, how they can move more effectively, why they sometimes get injured and how to reduce the incidence of injury.
Biomechanics is considered a sub-field within the broader discipline of kinesiology, or the study of how people move. Biomechanics is largely a research discipline, but practical applications exist as well. For instance, a biomechanist employed by a sports team might use a velocity meter. This is a device capable of measuring an athlete's movement 100 times every second to pinpoint exactly which elements of the athlete's technique are more or less effective at any given moment. This makes it possible to suggest changes to aspects of the technique even an elite athlete would not have noticed.
Because biomechanics is a specialization within kinesiology, undergraduates interested in the topic must first earn a kinesiology degree with additional classes in math and physics, and then apply to a graduate kinesiology program specializing in biomechanics. Those who stop after earning a master's degree can work in a biomechanics research laboratory as a lab technician or a research assistant. Only those who go on to earn a Ph.D. can work as professional biomechanists.
Most biomechanists work in research facilities run by universities or private companies. Some biomechanists work for companies that manufacture athletic products to help them design better running shoes or sports equipment. Others work as consultants for competitive athletes to help them perfect their techniques through the application of precisely calculated improvements based on scientific evidence about movement.
One example of the successful application of biomechanics to sports performance is exhibited in the career of Jonathan Edwards, a British triple jumper. A biomechanical analysis of Edwards' movement showed that he should raise his torso more when jumping, take more time on a few of the movements and pump his arms less. When Edwards followed this advice he broke the world record for the triple jump. Biomechanical analysis also helped the U.K. Paralympic swimming team win a record number of medals at the world championships in 2007. A biomechanist employed by the team conducted extensive tests on every aspect of the swimmers' techniques and made precise suggestions for improvement before the championships.
According to the University of Tennessee Knoxville's kinesiology department, an entry-level position in kinesiology pays a starting salary of between $18,000 and $30,000 a year. However, although biomechanists are kinesiologists, they always have advanced degrees and frequently work at research universities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists kinesiologists under postsecondary teachers, who earned a median pay of $62,050 a year as of 2010. No figures are available for biomechanists employed by sports teams or manufacturers as of the date this article was written.
- American Society of Biomechanics: What Is Biomechanics?
- American Kinesiology Association: Careers in Biomechanics
- The Independent: Biomechanics: The Gold Standard
- University of Tennessee Knoxville: Kinesiology Major Guide
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: Postsecondary Teachers
- Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images