Fundamentals of Biomechanics

Abstract

Biomechanics is a discipline utilized by different groups of professionals. It is a required basic science for orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, osteopaths, physiatrists, rheuma- tologists, physical and occupational therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers and beyond. These medical and paramedical specialists usually do not have a strong mathematics and phys- ics background. Biomechanics must be presented to these professionals in a rather nonmathematical way so that they may learn the concepts of mechanics without a rigorous mathe- matical approach. On the other hand, many engineers work in fields in which biomechanics plays a significant role. Human factors engineer- ing, ergonomics, biomechanics research, and prosthetic research and development all require that the engineers work- ing in the field have a strong knowledge of biomechanics. They are equipped to learn biomechanics through a rigorous mathe- matical approach. Classical textbooks in the engineering fields do not approach the biological side of biomechanics.