What is the meaning of rotation in biomechanics?

Rotation in biomechanics refers to the movement of body parts around a central axis. This type of motion is crucial for understanding how joints behave during various activities, such as spinning movements, twisting motions, and even in the complex dynamics of human locomotion.

When a body part rotates, it pivots around an axis, allowing for a diverse range of motions that are vital in sports and daily activities. For example, during a baseball pitch, the shoulder rotates around its joint axis, facilitating the throwing motion. This definition encompasses both the general idea of rotational movement and its application in biomechanical contexts, distinguishing it from other forms of movement such as translation or linear motion, which involves moving in a straight line.

The other concepts do not fully capture the meaning of rotation in the way that movements around a central axis do. While some may touch on related aspects, they lack the comprehensive scope that rotation encompasses in biomechanics.