When Do Biomechanics Matter?

Thoughts from: Dr. Michael Reinhardt, DPT, OCS: Performance Physical Therapist, Resilient Performance & PT & R2P Academy Instructor

I’m getting very tired of this debate…
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Biomechanics ALWAYS MATTER… the question should be to what DEGREE do they matter in the context of a given circumstance and when viewed through the lens of a specific goal. ⁣
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Saying that biomechanics “don’t matter” is a nihilistic and narrow-minded viewpoint that neglects the study of human movement and the entire field of physics. ⁣
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The same can be said for asserting that biomechanics are always the most relevant concern in every situation. ⁣

Certain Situations with Biomechanics

Certain situations will be more limited based upon desirable biomechanical presentations (shapes, positions, levers) while others will be more limited by considerations outside of biomechanics (pain, motor learning, energy system development). ⁣
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The key is determining when we should focus our efforts on refining modifiable biomechanical properties (how we move) as opposed to other trainable qualities (our body’s ability to produce and store energy, tissue tolerance, isolated force production). ⁣

Feed-Forward & Feed-Back

Lastly, biomechanics influences both a feed-forward and a feed-back relationship across all movement:
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If we lack specific joint ranges of motion, our biomechanics will reflexively adapt to these constraints. If we experience pain in a specific area, our biomechanics will adapt to offload said tissues. If we learn a new and more efficient motor pattern from what we have done previously, our body will preferentially use that pattern in the future to preserve energy and optimize movement efficiency. ⁣
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Biomechanics are ever-changing and are largely a reflection of our individual movement capabilities and repeated demands. ⁣

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