For someone who wants to be on the cutting edge of building a better athlete, Biomechanics might be for you.

Biomechanics is the study of the movements of human beings using the mechanical principles of physics. Biomechanists hope to improve movement techniques, improve equipment, and prevent injury – they improve golf swings and tennis serves, reduce injuries to pitcher’s arms and jumper’s knees and create better training equipment.

They do this by:

• Applying physics concepts such as gravity, ground reaction forces, friction, fluid resistance and torque, among others, to study human movement during physical activity
• Performing electromyography to measure muscle activity
• Using high speed photography to closely examine movement techniques and use force platforms to measure muscular force.

Biomechanists:

• Work as equipment designers and ergonomists
• Work in hospitals and colleges with physical therapists and occupational therapists
• Consult with athletes and sports teams as performance enhancement specialists

Professional Organization: International Society of Biomechanics