ABOUT THE CENTER
Biomechanics is the science of the study of human movement – measuring and evaluating the forces acting on us as we move in our environment; analyzing and understanding the movement that occurs in these reciprocal relations.
The Center for Biomechanics and Movement Rehabilitation has been operating as part of the Biomechanics Laboratory of the Zinman Academic College for 20 years. The Center provides diagnostic and advisory services as well as biomechanical treatment for athletes and groups with orthopedic or neurological injuries. The biomechanical knowledge provided by the Center helps professionals who work with these populations: orthopedists, physiotherapists, fitness trainers and trainers for various sports.
Main Subjects of Activity
- Biomechanical analysis of movement skills in sports and daily life
- Tests to assess biomechanical variables of motor functioning
- Biomechanical aspects of physical fitness and biomechanical functioning in conditions of fatigue
- Assessing muscle functioning: rehabilitating and strengthening muscle functioning as needed
Main Areas of Activity at the Center:
- Isokinetics
- Movement analysis
- Electromyography – Measuring electrical activity of the muscles
- Dynamic force distribution on the feet
Isokinetics
Isokinetics has been a main channel of research and treatment of muscle activity and functioning for 40 years. Unlike other forms of strength activity (isometrics, isotonics), isokinetic strength work allows full utilization of muscle potential throughout a joint’s range of motion at a variety of contractile speeds. With isokinetic apparatus it is possible to perform diagnostic tests of muscle functioning, rehabilitate muscle function after orthopedic or neurological impairment as part of an overall rehabilitation process, and strengthen muscle function and balance for athletic purposes. The Center has three multi-purpose isokinetic apparatus for working on the muscle groups surrounding all the main joints in the upper and lower limbs.
The main measures in assessing the isokinetics of muscle functioning are:
- Absolute strength, relative strength and muscle group endurance
- Relative bi-lateral forces (symmetry) in the same muscle groups
- Balance of forces between antagonistic muscle groups surrounding a joint
- Qualitative evaluation of the moment curve for identifying problems in the strength developing mechanism.
Movement Analysis
Deep investigation and understanding of human movement at the scientific level is possible through kinetics – the description of movement in space and time using kinetic means – that is, identifying the forces that cause movement. The main tool in kinematics is 2-D and 3-D cinematography (high speed video recording). One of the main tools of kinetics is the force plate, which measures the response forces from the ground when the foot comes in contact with it. The Center is equipped with a high-speed closed-circuit video system that includes six cameras with frequencies of up to 400Hz, and portable high-speed cameras for shooting in the field. The Center has three force plates for measuring response forces in the three central movement axes.
The main uses of the movement analysis equipment are to:
- Identify movement risk factors for injury
- Analyze athletic techniques for comparison to models and for improving performance
- Analyze movement symmetry
- Athletic ability testing: jumping, response speed, standing start, etc.
- Balance tests – dynamic and static
Electromyography – measuring electric activity of the muscles
Skeletal movement is supported by the muscles found under the skin, whose activity is not visible to the naked eye. Electromyography (EMG) is an available and convenient means of examining and understanding the muscular basis underlying a given movement. The Center has an advanced portable EMG system with field (surface) electrodes that can sample up to eight muscles simultaneously.
The main uses of EMG are:
- To characterize muscular activity – timing active muscles
- To evaluate muscular effort and the relative contribution of a given muscle to a movement
- To assess muscle fatigue during prolonged effort.
Dynamic distribution of pressures on the feet
Contact with the ground during human movement is almost always through the feet, mediated by shoes. The returning response forces from the ground pass through the shoes to the feet and are then absorbed in higher parts of the musculo-skeletal system. The distribution of forces on the feet can indicate proper or improper interaction between the foot and the shoe. The Center has an advanced portable system for evaluating the dynamic distribution of pressures, including pairs of pressure shoe inserts in a variety of sizes.
The main uses of dynamic distribution of pressures on the feet are:
- To identify areas of high pressure on the foot, which are risk factors for injuries to the foot or to other places in the lower extremities
- To identify pressure on the feet in various movement skills (athletic and daily) – to compare with norms and models.
Center Staff
Center Head – Dr. Moshe Ayalon
Center Director – Yair Talmon
Days of activity – Sunday through Friday
For additional details and to arrange for tests:
Tel: 972-9-8639330 or 972-54-7323382 (Yair)
Email: yairt@wincol.ac.il. Site: www.wincol.ac.il/centers/community-service