Clinical Biomechanics in Sports Flashcards

Wolff's Law applied to sport rehabilitation states that bone remodels:

Answer: Along lines of mechanical stress, strengthening under load and weakening without it

Wolff's Law holds that bone architecture adapts to the direction and magnitude of mechanical forces applied to it.

The Thomas test assesses flexibility of which muscle group, and a positive result indicates what biomechanical consequence?

Answer: Hip flexors (iliopsoas/rectus femoris); anterior pelvic tilt and increased lumbar lordosis

A positive Thomas test (thigh rises off table) indicates hip flexor tightness, which anteriorly tilts the pelvis and increases lumbar lordosis during sport.

In swimming freestyle stroke, internal impingement of the shoulder most commonly occurs during which phase?

Answer: Recovery

During the recovery phase the arm is elevated and internally rotated, placing the greater tuberosity against the posterior superior glenoid labrum (internal impingement).

Myofascial continuity in the posterior kinetic chain (superficial back line) means that plantar fascia tension can directly affect:

Answer: Hamstring length and lumbar erector tone

The superficial back line connects plantar fascia through the gastrocnemius, hamstrings, and sacrotuberous ligament to the lumbar erectors, so foot mechanics influence the entire posterior chain.

An athlete exhibits excessive foot pronation during running. Which compensatory motion at the knee is most likely?

Answer: Increased knee valgus and tibial internal rotation

Subtalar pronation is coupled with tibial internal rotation, which rotates the femur medially and increases dynamic knee valgus.

The concept of 'stiffness' in sports biomechanics refers to:

Answer: The ratio of force to deformation (F/Δx) of a tissue or joint

Stiffness is defined mechanically as the ratio of applied force to resultant deformation; optimal leg stiffness during running improves energy storage and return.

During a squat, placing a heel lift under the feet primarily compensates for limited:

Answer: Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion

Limited ankle dorsiflexion forces the heel to rise or the trunk to lean excessively; a heel lift pre-loads dorsiflexion to allow a more upright squat posture.