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HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 085

Evaluate the effectiveness of biomechanical principles in improving movement efficiency across physical activity, sport-specific movements and functional movements. Provide examples to support your response.   (8 marks)

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Evaluation Statement

  • Biomechanical principles are highly effective in improving movement efficiency.
  • This is judged by their ability to reduce injury, sustain performance and optimise energy use.
  • Evidence from physical activity, sport-specific skills and functional tasks shows strong success with only minor limitations.

Injury reduction and sustained movement

  • Biomechanics is highly effective in lowering injury risk while enabling sustained effort.
  • Evidence supporting this includes recreational running (physical activity), where correct posture and light foot strike reduce joint stress and delay fatigue.
  • Similarly, when lifting (functional activity), bending at the hips with a wide base of support protects the spine.
  • These examples successfully address the biomechanical principle of sustaining movement safely.
  • The evidence indicates biomechanics not only prevents breakdown but also improves long-term participation.

Optimising energy and performance

  • Biomechanical principles also improve efficiency by reducing wasted energy.
  • A clear example is competitive swimming (sport-specific), where streamlining reduces drag and lowers fatigue.
  • In tennis (sport-specific), correct force transfer during a serve generates more power with less strain.
  • These applications adequately fulfil the goal of sustaining performance under pressure.
  • However, effectiveness depends coaches teaching the correct technique as well as poor execution limiting benefits.

Final Evaluation

  • Weighing these factors shows biomechanics is a highly effective tool across all movement types.
  • While its success depends on proper teaching and practice, its strengths clearly outweigh limitations.
  • The overall evaluation demonstrates biomechanics is essential for improving efficiency, performance and reducing injury. These benefits cover daily life movements as well as elite sport and recreational activity.
Show Worked Solution

Evaluation Statement

  • Biomechanical principles are highly effective in improving movement efficiency.
  • This is judged by their ability to reduce injury, sustain performance and optimise energy use.
  • Evidence from physical activity, sport-specific skills and functional tasks shows strong success with only minor limitations.

Injury reduction and sustained movement

  • Biomechanics is highly effective in lowering injury risk while enabling sustained effort.
  • Evidence supporting this includes recreational running (physical activity), where correct posture and light foot strike reduce joint stress and delay fatigue.
  • Similarly, when lifting (functional activity), bending at the hips with a wide base of support protects the spine.
  • These examples successfully address the biomechanical principle of sustaining movement safely.
  • The evidence indicates biomechanics not only prevents breakdown but also improves long-term participation.

Optimising energy and performance

  • Biomechanical principles also improve efficiency by reducing wasted energy.
  • A clear example is competitive swimming (sport-specific), where streamlining reduces drag and lowers fatigue.
  • In tennis (sport-specific), correct force transfer during a serve generates more power with less strain.
  • These applications adequately fulfil the goal of sustaining performance under pressure.
  • However, effectiveness depends coaches teaching the correct technique as well as poor execution limiting benefits.

Final Evaluation

  • Weighing these factors shows biomechanics is a highly effective tool across all movement types.
  • While its success depends on proper teaching and practice, its strengths clearly outweigh limitations.
  • The overall evaluation demonstrates biomechanics is essential for improving efficiency, performance and reducing injury. These benefits cover daily life movements as well as elite sport and recreational activity.

HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 084

Discuss how the biomechanical principles of motion, force and balance interact to improve performance and sustain movement in a chosen sport.   (6 marks)

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  • [P] Motion is central in soccer, as players must accelerate, decelerate and change direction repeatedly.
  • [E] Understanding straight-line and sideways movement improves efficiency, allowing sustained play.
  • [Ev] For instance, sprinting with correct stride length reduces wasted energy.
  • [L] This shows how motion supports performance while delaying fatigue.
     
  • [P] Force application determines power and effectiveness in skills like kicking or tackling.
  • [E] Correct technique allows players to apply maximum force safely.
  • [Ev] A soccer player transferring weight through the planted leg when striking the ball generates greater velocity.
  • [L] This creates stronger kicks while reducing strain on joints.
     
  • [P] Balance and stability ensure players maintain control in dynamic situations.
  • [E] A wider base of support or lowered centre of gravity provides stability.
  • [Ev] For example, defenders bend knees and spread feet when engaging opponents controlling the ball.
  • [L] This balance allows sustained movement and reduces injury risk.
     
  • [P] On the other hand, excessive focus on one principle may limit performance.
  • [E] Too much focus on balance could reduce speed and agility.
  • [Ev] For instance, keeping feet too wide when running slows acceleration.
  • [L] This highlights that principles must be applied holistically, not in isolation.
Show Worked Solution
  • [P] Motion is central in soccer, as players must accelerate, decelerate and change direction repeatedly.
  • [E] Understanding straight-line and sideways movement improves efficiency, allowing sustained play.
  • [Ev] For instance, sprinting with correct stride length reduces wasted energy.
  • [L] This shows how motion supports performance while delaying fatigue.
     
  • [P] Force application determines power and effectiveness in skills like kicking or tackling.
  • [E] Correct technique allows players to apply maximum force safely.
  • [Ev] A soccer player transferring weight through the planted leg when striking the ball generates greater velocity.
  • [L] This creates stronger kicks while reducing strain on joints.
     
  • [P] Balance and stability ensure players maintain control in dynamic situations.
  • [E] A wider base of support or lowered centre of gravity provides stability.
  • [Ev] For example, defenders bend knees and spread feet when engaging opponents controlling the ball.
  • [L] This balance allows sustained movement and reduces injury risk.
     
  • [P] On the other hand, excessive focus on one principle may limit performance.
  • [E] Too much focus on balance could reduce speed and agility.
  • [Ev] For instance, keeping feet too wide when running slows acceleration.
  • [L] This highlights that principles must be applied holistically, not in isolation.

HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 083

Why is the application of biomechanics critical for sustaining performance in elite-level sport?   (4 marks)

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  • Biomechanics is critical because it refines technique to use energy more efficiently.
  • The reason for this is that elite athletes must maintain performance through long matches or repeated efforts.
  • Good biomechanics allows movements to be repeated with less fatigue and greater accuracy.
  • For instance, this is seen when a tennis player applies correct serving mechanics to generate power without shoulder strain.
  • A player’s increased power and movement efficiency also leads to reduced injury risk.
  • Consequently, good biomechanics allows elite athletes to compete at a high level consistently and for longer careers.
Show Worked Solution
  • Biomechanics is critical because it refines technique to use energy more efficiently.
  • The reason for this is that elite athletes must maintain performance through long matches or repeated efforts.
  • Good biomechanics allows movements to be repeated with less fatigue and greater accuracy.
  • For instance, this is seen when a tennis player applies correct serving mechanics to generate power without shoulder strain.
  • A player’s increased power and movement efficiency also leads to reduced injury risk.
  • Consequently, good biomechanics allows elite athletes to compete at a high level consistently and for longer careers.

HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 081

Explain how biomechanics can reduce the risk of injury while improving sustained movement in a sport-specific skill. In your answer, provide two real world examples.   (5 marks)

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  • Biomechanics reduces injury risk by analysing technique and correcting inefficient movement. This occurs because poor technique creates unnecessary stress on joints and muscles.
  • At the same time, biomechanics improves sustained movement by making actions more energy-efficient. This leads to lower fatigue and better long-term performance.

Example 1 – Tennis serve

  • Correct weight transfer from the back foot to the front foot distributes forces evenly.
  • This helps to generate momentum with less strain on the shoulder.
  • This mechanism results in improved serve power while reducing overuse injuries.

Example 2 – Soccer free kick

  • Positioning the non-kicking foot beside the ball keeps balance and stability. This produces a solid base of support, reducing the chance of falling or not timing the kick well.
  • Striking the ball with correct body alignment reduces twisting forces at the hip and knee. As a consequence, injury risk decreases.
  • At the same time, this interaction allows more efficient transfer of force through the leg, creating sustained power and accuracy in repeated kicks.
Show Worked Solution
  • Biomechanics reduces injury risk by analysing technique and correcting inefficient movement. This occurs because poor technique creates unnecessary stress on joints and muscles.
  • At the same time, biomechanics improves sustained movement by making actions more energy-efficient. This leads to lower fatigue and better long-term performance.

Example 1 – Tennis serve

  • Correct weight transfer from the back foot to the front foot distributes forces evenly.
  • This helps to generate momentum with less strain on the shoulder.
  • This mechanism results in improved serve power while reducing overuse injuries.

Example 2 – Soccer free kick

  • Positioning the non-kicking foot beside the ball keeps balance and stability. This produces a solid base of support, reducing the chance of falling or not timing the kick well.
  • Striking the ball with correct body alignment reduces twisting forces at the hip and knee. As a consequence, injury risk decreases.
  • At the same time, this interaction allows more efficient transfer of force through the leg, creating sustained power and accuracy in repeated kicks.

HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 094 MC

During a gymnastics floor routine, a gymnast's spinning speed when performing somersaults decreases with each flip. Which technique adjustment would best maintain rotation speed throughout the routine?

  1. Pulling arms and legs tighter to the body during spins
  2. Extending arms and legs during rotation and pushing-off harder
  3. Maintaining tighter core muscles throughout the entire routine to preserve energy
  4. Increasing the height of each jump to allow more time for rotations
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\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct: Bringing the arms and legs closer to the body makes it easier to spin faster without losing momentum, which fixes the slowing rotation.

Other options:

  • B is incorrect: Pushing off harder gives more spin at the start but stretching arms and legs out makes rotation slower, which can cancel out the benefit.
  • C is incorrect: Tightening the core helps balance, but it doesn’t change spin speed. Rotation depends on body position and momentum, not muscle tension.
  • D is incorrect: Jumping higher gives more time in the air, but it doesn’t stop the gymnast from slowing down each spin.

HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 093 MC

An athlete performing plyometric exercises experiences early fatigue despite good cardiovascular fitness. Which biomechanical factor best explains this issue?

  1. Inadequate joint range of motion limiting elastic energy storage
  2. Excessive eccentric muscle contractions without proper force absorption
  3. Inefficient energy transfer between eccentric and concentric phases
  4. Poor synchronisation of agonist and antagonist muscle groups
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: Inefficient energy transfer between eccentric and concentric phases causes muscles to work harder. Fatigue develops faster despite good cardiovascular fitness.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: While reduced range of motion can limit performance, it would affect power output more than causing early fatigue.
  • B is incorrect: Plyometrics inherently involves eccentric contractions and proper technique includes force absorption. This wouldn’t specifically cause early fatigue if cardiovascular fitness is good.
  • D is incorrect: Poor muscle synchronisation would primarily affect movement quality rather than causing rapid fatigue in someone with good cardiovascular endurance.

HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 092 MC

A cricket fast bowler generates significant momentum during their run-up but struggles to maintain ball speed. According to biomechanical research, what is the most likely limiting factor?

  1. The split second bowling delivery phase limits additional muscular momentum generation
  2. Insufficient arm strength during the delivery stride
  3. Excessive joint hypermobility reducing control
  4. Poor aerobic fitness reducing the bowler's run-up speed
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\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct: The delivery phase (approximately one tenth of a second) is too brief for muscles to generate additional momentum. Bowlers must rely on momentum already developed during the run-up.

Other options:

  • B is incorrect: The brief delivery phase doesn’t allow time for muscular force generation, making pre-existing momentum from the run-up the primary determinant of ball speed.
  • C is incorrect: While hypermobility can affect technique, it increases an individual’s range of motion which can actually increase ball speed.
  • D is incorrect: The scenario states the bowler generates significant momentum during run-up, indicating aerobic fitness isn’t the limiting factor in this case.

HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 088 MC

A tennis coach notices a player's serve lacks power despite good technique. Which biomechanical adjustment would most effectively increase serve velocity?

  1. Reducing shoulder rotation
  2. Keeping weight on the back foot throughout
  3. Transferring weight from back foot to front foot
  4. Minimising leg drive from the ground
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: Transferring weight from back foot to front foot generates momentum through the kinetic chain, allowing forces to build from the ground up and significantly increase serve velocity.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: Reducing shoulder rotation decreases the range of motion and torque generation, limiting the speed of the racquet.
  • B is incorrect: Keeping weight on the back foot prevents momentum transfer through the body, failing to utilise ground reaction forces for power generation.
  • D is incorrect: Minimising leg drive removes the foundation of the kinetic chain, as pushing off the ground provides the initial force that transfers through the body to the serve.

HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 086 MC

Which biomechanical principle is most important when a swimmer aims to move faster through water?

  1. Increasing the base of support
  2. Reducing drag
  3. Raising the centre of gravity
  4. Increasing joint angles
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\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct: Reducing drag directly addresses the force opposing forward motion in water, allowing swimmers to move faster with less energy expenditure.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: Increasing base of support relates to stability on solid ground and is not applicable to swimming.
  • C is incorrect: Raising the centre of gravity would create poor body position in water. Swimmers need horizontal alignment with high hips to minimise resistance.
  • D is incorrect: Increasing joint angles creates more drag as swimmers need to keep limb alignment close to the body’s centre.

HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 4 MC

A sprinter is working to improve their block start performance. Which biomechanical sequence would most effectively generate maximal horizontal force from the blocks?

\begin{align*}
\begin{array}{l}
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \ \rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{A.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{B.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{C.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{D.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\end{array}
\begin{array}{|l|l|l|}
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{Rear Leg Action}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \textbf{Front Leg Action}& \textbf{Trunk Position} \\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Concentric hip extension}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}&\text{Isometric knee extension}&\text{Forward lean 45°}\\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Eccentric knee extension}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \text{Concentric hip extension}&\text{Forward lean 30°}\\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Concentric knee extension}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \text{Concentric hip extension}&\text{Forward lean 90°} \\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Concentric hip and knee extension}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \text{Concentric hip and knee extension}&\text{Forward lean 60°} \\
\hline
\end{array}
\end{align*}

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\(D\)

Show Worked Solution
  • D is correct: A forward lean of 60° optimises horizontal force production. Simultaneous concentric hip and knee extension in both legs maximises power. The combination creates the most effective angle of force application.

Other options:

  • A, B and C incorrect: Show incorrect sequence to achieve desired outcome