Biomechanics

Catalog description

Basic mechanical knowledge required to understand human movement. KINES 384 Biomechanics examines biological phenomena from a mechanical perspective; this course examines predominantly human movement from this perspective. The course aims to introduce students to the mechanical principles that underpin biomechanics, and to the measurement procedures used in biomechanics. Students will examine these principles for a variety of activities including: walking, running, jumping, quiet standing, throwing, striking, and reaching. Laboratory activities emphasize the qualitative and quantitative analysis of human movement. These sessions require students to work effectively in groups to collect data, and then work independently to analyze and interpret their data. Students use Newton's laws, basic algebra and trigonometry in the analysis of their data, and produce reports about these laboratory activities. The lectures provide the framework for all class activities. They aim to link the student's knowledge of anatomy with mechanics to provide an understanding of how movement is produced in both health and disease. The lectures provide information about the history, scope, and impact of biomechanics. Students are introduced to the pertinent kinematic variables required for the analysis of human movement. Newton's laws are used to understand both linear and angular human motion. Basic principles from aerodynamics are introduced as they may apply to man and the implements he or she may use. The examination of aerodynamic factors is augmented by examining the mechanics of balls spinning, and bouncing. Approaches for the determination of the inertial properties of human body segments are examined in detail, with a view to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches. The theory, methodology, and protocols for image-based motion analysis are introduced as common methodology used in biomechanics. The principles behind force measurement are presented, using force plates as the core example. Students are taught the basics of the interpretation of ground reactions forces, using the impulse-momentum relationship. Contractile muscle mechanics are studied to under the influences of muscle fiber activation, length, and velocity on the production of force are presented. The mechanical properties of tendon are presented (stress-strain relationship), and its role in human movement. Potential and kinetic energy are introduced, along with the concept of energy storage and its application in the analysis of human movement examined. The principles governing modeling are introduced, and approaches for modeling human movement are established and then used to understand the coordination of human movement.