Chapter 9
Biomechanics
Introduction
This chapter outlines the discipline of biomechanics, the study of the human body in motion. The authors describe how biomechanics came into existence and explain how biomechanists study “the forces that act on the body and the effects that they produce.” Five areas of study in biomechanics are identified and discussed, as well as various research tools used.
Chapter Objectives
After studying this chapter, students will be able to do the following:
- Define biomechanics.
- List important dates and figures in the development of the field of biomechanics.
- Describe the various areas of injury biomechanics.
- Be familiar with and discuss the possible uses of techniques and equipment used in the study of human motion.
- Describe undergraduate and graduate training in biomechanics.
- Discuss areas of employment in biomechanics.
- List important professional associations and journals in biomechanics.
Study Questions
- Define biomechanics.
- Explain how biomechanics and kinesiology are different.
- Define statics, dynamics, kinetics, and kinematics.
- Outline the progress made in biomechanics in the 20th century. Include relevant associations, institutions, researchers, and dates.
- List and briefly describe the four areas of biomechanical inquiry.
- For each of the areas listed in question 5, give two examples of how the knowledge and skill of a biomechanist can be of practical use.
- Describe a program of study an individual would typically undergo in order to earn a doctorate in biomechanics.
- Name five peer-reviewed journals that publish biomechanical research.
Student Activities
- If possible, have students spend time with a biomechanist, observe data collection, or volunteer to be a research subject in a biomechanics study.
- Find an article from three different journals in biomechanics (see the list at the end of the chapter). Write an abstract of each article relating to its potential impact on the field of exercise science.
- After reading this chapter, have students make a list of things they can do to be marketable in the field of biomechanics when they graduate.
Lab
Assessment of Isometric Hand Grip Strength
Quizzes
Suggested Readings
- Adrian, M. J., & Cooper, J. M. (1995). Biomechanics of human movement (2nd ed.). Dubuque, IA: WCB Brown & Benchmark.
- Alexander, R. M. (1992). The human machine. New York: Columbia University Press.
- Chaffin, D. B., Andersson, G. B. J., & Martin, B. J. (1999). Occupational biomechanics (3rd ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons.
- Hall, S. J. (2006). Basic biomechanics (4th ed.). New York: WCB/McGraw-Hill.
- Hamill, J., & Knutzen, K. M. (2006). Biomechanical basis of human movement (2nd ed.) Media, PA: Williams & Wilkins.
- McGinnis, P. M. (2004). Biomechanics of sport and exercise (2nd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
- Nordin, M., & Frankel, V. H. (2001). Basic biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Stergiou, N. (2004). Innovative analyses of human movement. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Links
American Society of Biomechanics
Canadian Society of Biomechanics
The International Society of Biomechanics
The International Society of Biomechanics in Sports