OVERVIEW

Biomechanics is concerned with the mechanical / anatomical bases of human movement. Understanding the biomechanics of human movement is necessary for the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and design of aids for rehabilitation.

This course deals with an introduction of the principles of biomechanichs and how these could be applied for the analysis of movements of the human body.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

In this module, students will learn the tools for biomechanical analysis of human movement. The objective is to gain an understanding of the mechanical and anatomical principles that govern human movement and to develop the ability to connect the structure of the human body with its function through a mechanical perspective.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify the fundamental mechanical principles related to human movement

• Describe motion using precise mechanical and biomechanical terminology

• Apply the mechanical laws of physics to human movement

• Solve biomechanical problems using the laws of applied physics

• Understand how musculoskeletal structures influence human movement

• Apply the laws of physics to model mechanical problems

• Apply the concepts, methods, and techniques of biomechanics to study the functions of the human body

• Physically and mathematically describe different mechanical categories of materials, with a focus on biomaterials

• Use the mathematical framework of various biomechanical models to solve conceptual and numerical problems

• Understand the different types of models used in biomechanics and their utility

• Understand the fundamentals and biomedical applications of force and torque balancing in the musculoskeletal system.

TEACHING METHODS

Interactive lectures. Active participation is encouraged to foster critical thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Students with certified disabilities (DSA) are invited to contact the instructor to discuss personalized support and accommodations.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Linear and Angular Kinematics:

• Reference planes and axis of rotation;

• Linear motion, rectilinear and curvilinear; angular motion, basic techniques for kinematic analysis;

• Equations of constant acceleration and projectile motion, interpretation of kinematic data;

• Kinematics of the rigid body;

• Degrees of freedom, kinematic pairs, body joints.

Linear and Angular Kinetics:

• Newton's laws of motion and gravitation, center of mass of a body, types of forces;

• Free body diagrams, moment arms and levers, reaction forces;

• Statics, application of statics to the human body;

• Moment of inertia, angular momentum, rigid body dynamics;

• Anthropometry;

• Momentum and impulse; work, energy, and power, stability and equilibrium; interpretation of kinetic data.

Human Movement in a Fluid Medium:

• Buoyancy, resistance, lift, and propulsion.

Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System:

• Tissue loads;

• Stress-strain curve;

• Biomechanical properties of biological tissues.

Muscle Architecture and Dynamics:

• Force-length relationship, force-velocity;

• Hill's model.

Musculoskeletal Geometry:

• Joint moments;

• Joint angle-moment relationship;

• Applications.

Gait and Running Models:

• Gait and running cycle;

• Role of ground reaction forces in walking and running;

• Energy balance in walking and running;

• Ballistic model, dynamic model, mass-spring model, "tuned track" model;

• Gait-run transition;

• Metabolic cost.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Materials and  readings will be distributed via the course website.

Additional readings:

Giovanni Legnani e Giacomo Palmieri. "Fondamenti di Meccanica e Biomeccanica del Movimento",2016. Città Studi Edizioni.

Boccardi, Cinesiologia , società editrice Univers

Cappello, A. Cappozzo, P. di Prampero, “Bioingegneria della postura e del movimento”, Patron Editore

McGinnis, P. (2013). Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise With Web Resource and MaxTRAQ 2D Software Access (3rd ed.). Champaign, P.Grimshaw, A. Lees, N. Fowler, A. Burde, “Sport and Exercise Biomechanics”, Taylor & Francis

Hall, S. (2012). Basic Biomechanics (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Hamill, J., & Knutzen, K. (2008). Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Knudson, D. (2007). Fundamentals of Biomechanics (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer.

Nordin, M., & Frankel, V. (2012). Basic Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Ozkaya, N., Nordin, M., Goldsheyder, D., & Leger, D. Fundamentals of Biomechanics: Equilibrium, motion, and deformation (3rd ed). New York, NY: Springer

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course will begin according to the official academic calendar of the Degree Program.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam will consist of a written test with 15 multiple-choice questions, lasting one and a half hours. In some cases, there may be the possibility of an oral exam (see ASSESSMENT METHODS section).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Both the written test and the eventual oral exam will evaluate the capability to apply the logical and mathematical principles and the acquisition of the capacity of a critical analysis of the problems relative to biomechanical and human movement problems covered at the lectures.

The written test will contain multiple-choice questions on the course theoretical concepts and exercises to be numerically solved.

The oral exam will evaluate:

- Insightful understanding of course theoretical concepts;

- Use of proper terminology

- Competency to translate the theoretical concepts to practical settings.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule.