What is 'deformation' in biomechanics?

In biomechanics, 'deformation' refers to the change in shape or size of a material or body due to an applied load or force. This is a fundamental concept in understanding how biological tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, respond to stresses and strains during physical activity.

When a load is applied, tissues can either stretch, compress, or shear, depending on the nature of the force and the characteristics of the material. For instance, in analyzing how a muscle contracts or how a tendon bears tension during movement, one assesses these deformations to ensure optimal function and to prevent injury.

The other options describe different concepts not associated with deformation. Measuring fatigue relates to endurance and performance, strength increase over time pertains to training adaptations, and warming up involves preparing the body for physical activity rather than describing a change due to load application. Thus, the focus on the relationship between applied forces and changes in material properties clearly marks option B as the correct understanding of deformation in biomechanics.