#biomechanics

I have written about this topic before, but I’d like to present it from a fresh perspective. I was training a student this morning on some running movements, and I shot myself running to make him understand better. The pictures are from the same video.

When we talk about running biomechanics, the triple extension phase is one of the best elements in the entire movement to gauge the mechanics. However, there is more to speed, and our upper body dynamics also play an important role in creating a structure to maximize speed.

Movement: When the subject of biomechanics arises, our lens often centers on the mechanics of movement. However, movement is facilitated by our musculature, which is further governed by intramuscular mechanics as explained in my last article on the same subject.

Allow me to elucidate: for a muscle to perform with optimal biomechanical accuracy, the movement should closely adhere to its inherent structure – mirroring its arrangement – how it is laid. This constitutes one facet of the narrative.

Muscle biomechanics: Now, the manner in which our muscles operate, is directly influenced by antagonists, synergists, ligaments, and the structural support system. The intra-muscle engagement can span its entire length, focus more on the medial or lateral aspects, or impose additional strain on tendons. Thus, numerous determinants influence the trajectory of muscular movement.

These two factors are fundamentally interconnected and essentially synonymous. Permit me to elaborate.

By rectifying biomechanics in movement, we address all the components on the intermuscular level that contribute to optimal engagement of the entire musculature implicated in a given motion. Consequently, this enhances muscular functionality and intramuscular mechanics, leading to best output.

If I were to pick one out of the two:

a) mechanics at the shoulder, arm, and finally wrist, fingers
b) or mechanics of triple extension

I would be confused because one can’t exist without the other.

Therefore, running may look like the work of the legs alone, but our entire body is at play. The shoulders are making the entire arm sync with the action, thereby lining up the entire upper extremity. This is more useful to understand for cricketers, baseball players, or athletes from different field sports. Be it pitching or fast bowling; swing of the bat or throwing; movement behind the wickets or movements in front of the wicket; we need our entire body to work in sync for our best output. Legs in pitching or fast bowling must be tuned in with the arm, and it is only when these two are perfectly tuned that our entire body sings the same song in rhythm.

Note: A well-balanced structure brings calmness. Calmness brings focus. Focus brings out performance.