Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance

Gulhan Erdem Subak

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12

Review Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance

Gulhan Erdem Subak^*

Published in American Journal of Sports Science (Volume 13, Issue 2)

Received: 19 March 2025 Accepted: 10 April 2025 Published: 29 April 2025

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Newton’s second law (F=ma) is a fundamental principle of classical mechanics, forming the basis for understanding motion and force in both theoretical and applied sciences. In recent years, its relevance has expanded into fields such as sports science and biomechanics, where accurate force modeling is essential for performance enhancement and injury prevention. This study aims to explore how Newton’s second law is applied within these domains, highlighting its role in improving athletic training, motion analysis, and safety protocols. A systematic review of twelve peer-reviewed articles from Web of Science and PubMed was conducted, with studies selected through clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature reveals that applying F=ma enables detailed biomechanical modeling, helping to quantify ground reaction forces, evaluate acceleration during resistance training, and assess impact forces during athletic activities. Notably, pneumatic resistance training was associated with increased acceleration and power output, while traditional free-weight training improved maximal force generation. The principle also contributes to safety improvements, such as minimizing head acceleration in soccer and refining impact assessments with deformable objects. Despite these advances, challenges remain in force measurement due to limitations in mass estimation and equipment calibration. Overall, the findings underscore the critical role of physics-based approaches in biomechanics and support the integration of cross-disciplinary education to optimize performance and safety in sports settings.

Published in	American Journal of Sports Science (Volume 13, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12
Page(s)	32-38
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Newton's Second Law, Biomechanics, Sports Science, Human Performance, Injury Prevention

References

[1]	Susilawati, S., Doyan, A., Hakim, S., Mahdini, M., & Hamidi, H. Impact of Physics Learning on Improving Learners’ Generic Science Skills: A Review. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 2022, 8(4), 1771–1774. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i4.2275
[2]	Doyan, A., Gunawan, G., & Subki, S. Development of Interactive Multimedia Physics Through a Scientific Approach and Its Effect on Learning Outcomes and Generic Science Skills of Students. Jurnal Penelitian dan Pembelajaran Fisika Indonesia, 2019, 1(1), 35–42. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppfi.v1i1.12
[3]	Nurjannah, E., Ayub, S., Doyan, A., & Sahidu, H. Development of PhET Media-Assisted Guided Inquiry Model Learning Tools to Improve Problem-Solving Ability and Generic Science Physics Skills of Learners. GeoScienceEd Journal, 2021, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.29303/goescienceedu.v2i1.127
[4]	Frost, D. M., Cronin, J. B., & Newton, R. U. A Biomechanical Evaluation of Resistance: Fundamental Concepts for Training and Sports Performance. Sports Medicine, 2010, 40(4), 303–326. https://doi.org/10.2165/11319450-000000000-00000
[5]	Johnson, W. R., Alderson, J., & Lloyd, D. Predicting Athlete Ground Reaction Forces and Moments from Motion Capture. Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing, 2018, 56(10), 1781–1792. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-018-1858-8
[6]	Babbs, C. F. Biomechanics of Heading a Soccer Ball: Implications for Player Safety. The Scientific World Journal, 2001, 1, 281–322. https://doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2001.80
[7]	Muggenthaler, H., Hubig, M., & Mall, G. Biomechanical Approach for the Assessment of Contacts with Deformable Objects. Forensic Science International, 2018, 283, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.12.006
[8]	Hewi, L., & Saleh, M. Refleksi Hasil PISA (The Programme for International Student Assessment): Upaya Perbaikan Bertumpu pada Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini. Jurnal Golden Age, 2020, 4(1), 30–41. https://doi.org/10.29408/goldenage.v4i01.2018
[9]	Brice, S. M., Ness, K. F., Rosemond, D., Lyons, K., & Davis, M. Development and Validation of a Method to Directly Measure the Cable Force During the Hammer Throw. Sports Biomechanics, 2008, 7(2), 274–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763140802233262
[10]	Frost, D. M., Cronin, J. B., & Newton, R. U. Changes in Maximal Strength, Velocity, and Power After 8 Weeks of Training with Pneumatic or Free Weight Resistance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2016, 30(4), 934–944. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001218
[11]	Wang, Q., & Dechow, P. C. Elastic Properties of External Cortical Bone in the Craniofacial Skeleton of the Rhesus Monkey. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 2006, 131(3), 402–415. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.20446
[12]	Frontera, W. R., & Bigard, X. The Benefits of Strength Training in the Elderly. Science & Sports, 2002, 17(3), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0765-1597(02)00123-3
[13]	Lyttle, A. D., Blanksby, B. A., Elliott, B. C., & Lloyd, D. G. Investigating Kinetics in the Freestyle Flip Turn Push-Off. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 1999, 15(3), 242–252.
[14]	Burnett, J. K., Lee, S. P., & Lee, J. W. Whole Body Mass Estimates and Error Propagation in Countermovement Jump: A Simulated Error Study. Sports Biomechanics, 2023. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2023.2232547

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Subak, G. E. (2025). Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance. American Journal of Sports Science, 13(2), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Subak, G. E. Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance. Am. J. Sports Sci. 2025, 13(2), 32-38. doi: 10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Subak GE. Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance. Am J Sports Sci. 2025;13(2):32-38. doi: 10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12,
  author = {Gulhan Erdem Subak},
  title = {Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance
},
  journal = {American Journal of Sports Science},
  volume = {13},
  number = {2},
  pages = {32-38},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajss.20251302.12},
  abstract = {Newton’s second law (F=ma) is a fundamental principle of classical mechanics, forming the basis for understanding motion and force in both theoretical and applied sciences. In recent years, its relevance has expanded into fields such as sports science and biomechanics, where accurate force modeling is essential for performance enhancement and injury prevention. This study aims to explore how Newton’s second law is applied within these domains, highlighting its role in improving athletic training, motion analysis, and safety protocols. A systematic review of twelve peer-reviewed articles from Web of Science and PubMed was conducted, with studies selected through clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature reveals that applying F=ma enables detailed biomechanical modeling, helping to quantify ground reaction forces, evaluate acceleration during resistance training, and assess impact forces during athletic activities. Notably, pneumatic resistance training was associated with increased acceleration and power output, while traditional free-weight training improved maximal force generation. The principle also contributes to safety improvements, such as minimizing head acceleration in soccer and refining impact assessments with deformable objects. Despite these advances, challenges remain in force measurement due to limitations in mass estimation and equipment calibration. Overall, the findings underscore the critical role of physics-based approaches in biomechanics and support the integration of cross-disciplinary education to optimize performance and safety in sports settings.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance

AU  - Gulhan Erdem Subak
Y1  - 2025/04/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12
T2  - American Journal of Sports Science
JF  - American Journal of Sports Science
JO  - American Journal of Sports Science
SP  - 32
EP  - 38
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8540
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12
AB  - Newton’s second law (F=ma) is a fundamental principle of classical mechanics, forming the basis for understanding motion and force in both theoretical and applied sciences. In recent years, its relevance has expanded into fields such as sports science and biomechanics, where accurate force modeling is essential for performance enhancement and injury prevention. This study aims to explore how Newton’s second law is applied within these domains, highlighting its role in improving athletic training, motion analysis, and safety protocols. A systematic review of twelve peer-reviewed articles from Web of Science and PubMed was conducted, with studies selected through clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature reveals that applying F=ma enables detailed biomechanical modeling, helping to quantify ground reaction forces, evaluate acceleration during resistance training, and assess impact forces during athletic activities. Notably, pneumatic resistance training was associated with increased acceleration and power output, while traditional free-weight training improved maximal force generation. The principle also contributes to safety improvements, such as minimizing head acceleration in soccer and refining impact assessments with deformable objects. Despite these advances, challenges remain in force measurement due to limitations in mass estimation and equipment calibration. Overall, the findings underscore the critical role of physics-based approaches in biomechanics and support the integration of cross-disciplinary education to optimize performance and safety in sports settings.

VL  - 13
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Gulhan Erdem Subak

Faculty of Sports Sciences, Igdır University, Igdir, Turkey

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1698-262X

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Subak, G. E. (2025). Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance. American Journal of Sports Science, 13(2), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Subak, G. E. Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance. Am. J. Sports Sci. 2025, 13(2), 32-38. doi: 10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Subak GE. Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance. Am J Sports Sci. 2025;13(2):32-38. doi: 10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12,
  author = {Gulhan Erdem Subak},
  title = {Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance
},
  journal = {American Journal of Sports Science},
  volume = {13},
  number = {2},
  pages = {32-38},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajss.20251302.12},
  abstract = {Newton’s second law (F=ma) is a fundamental principle of classical mechanics, forming the basis for understanding motion and force in both theoretical and applied sciences. In recent years, its relevance has expanded into fields such as sports science and biomechanics, where accurate force modeling is essential for performance enhancement and injury prevention. This study aims to explore how Newton’s second law is applied within these domains, highlighting its role in improving athletic training, motion analysis, and safety protocols. A systematic review of twelve peer-reviewed articles from Web of Science and PubMed was conducted, with studies selected through clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature reveals that applying F=ma enables detailed biomechanical modeling, helping to quantify ground reaction forces, evaluate acceleration during resistance training, and assess impact forces during athletic activities. Notably, pneumatic resistance training was associated with increased acceleration and power output, while traditional free-weight training improved maximal force generation. The principle also contributes to safety improvements, such as minimizing head acceleration in soccer and refining impact assessments with deformable objects. Despite these advances, challenges remain in force measurement due to limitations in mass estimation and equipment calibration. Overall, the findings underscore the critical role of physics-based approaches in biomechanics and support the integration of cross-disciplinary education to optimize performance and safety in sports settings.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Newton’s Second Law in Sports Science and Biomechanics: Bridging Physics and Human Performance

AU  - Gulhan Erdem Subak
Y1  - 2025/04/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12
T2  - American Journal of Sports Science
JF  - American Journal of Sports Science
JO  - American Journal of Sports Science
SP  - 32
EP  - 38
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8540
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20251302.12
AB  - Newton’s second law (F=ma) is a fundamental principle of classical mechanics, forming the basis for understanding motion and force in both theoretical and applied sciences. In recent years, its relevance has expanded into fields such as sports science and biomechanics, where accurate force modeling is essential for performance enhancement and injury prevention. This study aims to explore how Newton’s second law is applied within these domains, highlighting its role in improving athletic training, motion analysis, and safety protocols. A systematic review of twelve peer-reviewed articles from Web of Science and PubMed was conducted, with studies selected through clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature reveals that applying F=ma enables detailed biomechanical modeling, helping to quantify ground reaction forces, evaluate acceleration during resistance training, and assess impact forces during athletic activities. Notably, pneumatic resistance training was associated with increased acceleration and power output, while traditional free-weight training improved maximal force generation. The principle also contributes to safety improvements, such as minimizing head acceleration in soccer and refining impact assessments with deformable objects. Despite these advances, challenges remain in force measurement due to limitations in mass estimation and equipment calibration. Overall, the findings underscore the critical role of physics-based approaches in biomechanics and support the integration of cross-disciplinary education to optimize performance and safety in sports settings.

VL  - 13
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download