OVERVIEW

Biomechanics concerns the study of biological systems from the standpoint of mechanics.

We will investigate human movement, through a strong integration of modelling, experimentation and calculus.

We will first investigate human movement as it takes place (kinematics), then we will consider the forces that generate it (kinetics).

At the end, we will obtain a deep understanding of basic human gestures, such as walking, standing and lifting.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge of the anatomical basics, the biomechanical principles, the experimental techniques and some basic numerical methods, for studying human movement.

Deep understanding of some basic human movements.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student will be able to obtain kinematic and kinetic equations for simple models of human movement and to solve them by numerical methods. The student will learn to use instruments and methods for the measurement of human motion, by laboratory training, and will gain some insight on how to combine models and experimental techniques for understanding human movement.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures combined with laboratory practice, aiming at developing a deep understanding of human movement.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Outline of the human musculo-skeletal system, elements of anthropometry.

Instrumentation for the measurement of human motion and of related forces.

Modelling and simulation of human movement.

Theoretical and experimental studies of human gestures: arm movement, postural stability and walking.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Hall, S J, Basic biomechanics, McGraw-Hill,1999
• Legnani G, Palmieri G, Fassi I, Introduzione alla biomeccanica dello sport, Città Studi, 2018
• Legnani G, Palmieri G, Fondamenti di meccanica e biomeccanica del movimento, Città Studi, 2016
• Picasso, B, Fondamenti di meccanica e biomeccanica, Springer, 2012
• Calais-Germain, B, Anatomia per il movimento, Epsylon Editrice, 2014
• Chapman, A E, Biomechanical analysis of fundamental human movements, Human Kinetics, 2008

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIOVANNI BATTISTA ROSSI (President)

MARTA BERARDENGO

GIANCARLO CASSINI

FRANCESCO CRENNA (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Second semester, according to the academic calendar.

Class schedule

FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOMECHANICS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Presentation and discussion of a report, concerning one out of  a set of proposed topics.

Discussion of the arguments treated during the lectures.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

In the presentation and discussion of a report, the student has to demonstrate his/her comprehension of how the combination of measurement, modelling and data processing yiields a deep understanding of human movement.

In the discussion of the arguments treated during the lectures, the student has to show his/her comprehension of them.

Exam schedule