The fundamentals of biomechanics are introduced and how movement and muscle forces influence loading on the various joints of the body. Calculations of joints moments and joint forces will be carried out in both statically determined and statically undetermined systems. During the course, measurements on human movement in 3D space will be discussed. Gait analysis will be covered as well as a biomechanical analysis of various joints of the body such as the knee, hip, spine, shoulder and wrist. Finally topics regarding how diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis and other degenerative conditions affect human biomechanics will be discussed.
Knowledge
At the end of the course, the student will have knowledge of:
- Major muscles and muscle groups of the body
- Basic calculations on joint loads
- Calculations and prerequisites for calculating muscle forces
- Joint forces and their influence on the skeletal frame
- Measurements on movements using both 2D and 3D cameras
- Calculation of the angles generated in joints during movements
- Gait cycle
Skills
At the end of the course, the student will have skills in:
- Quantifying movement parameters
- Designing measurements involving human movement and interpreting the results
- Identifying what distinguishes a good movement from a bad one with regard to loading on the body
Competence
At the end of the course, the student will gain competence in:
- Evaluating human movements
- Assessing and quantifying the load acting on the human body during movements
Physics I and Linear Algebra